ACT Brumbies outside centre Andrew Smith has declared himself fit to play against Western Force this week, adamant a head knock won't slow down his start to the season.
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Smith clashed heads with his Brumbies teammate Pat McCabe in the first half of the loss to the Queensland Reds on Saturday.
McCabe needed eight stitches in a gash in his head, while Smith did not return in the second half as a precaution because of a history of concussion.
Wallabies No.13 Tevita Kuridrani will be pushing for inclusion in the Brumbies' starting XV, while McCabe and Smith could be given another chance as the centre combination.
Last season Smith was plagued by injuries. He suffered concussion in round four and missed four games. In his comeback, he tore his hamstring.
''It was precautionary, I was feeling a bit stiff and sore, and I've had a history with it, so they decided not to put me back on,'' he said.
''I got some mild concussions last year, so we're just trying to avoid that. It's always a concern, but the medical staff is geared to well-being. I'll be at training on Monday and good to play on Saturday.''
The Brumbies fumbled their way through a 27-17 loss to the Reds.
They made 18 handling errors and scored just one try in the second half, despite getting 70 per cent of attacking field position.
Smith said the Brumbies were guilty of being impatient.
''We had territory and possession, but we pushed passes and turned over ball, which let us down, instead of trying to build pressure,'' he said.
''We potentially rushed things, but sometimes they come off. We have to make the right skill-based decisions.''