THE BRUMBIES are hopeful powerhouse No.8 Fotu Auelua and try-scoring machine Henry Speight will be fit for the start of Super Rugby after a brutal trial match on Saturday night.
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The Brumbies beat an ACT XV 67-0 at Viking Park in a hit-out before the season begins on February 22.
But while the scoreline suggested it was a demolishing victory, the blood on David Pocock's face, Speight's bruised ribs and Auelua's knee injury were proof of a tough match.
The Brumbies added 11 internationals to their line-up as they boost their preparations to play their season opener against the Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium. Auelua got through less than 20 minutes before he left the field, and Speight scored a try in his 38 minutes.
''We're not sure on Fotu, he came off the field with a little bit of pain so we will just see how he pulls up and he might need a scan,'' Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said.
''We'll wait and see how 'Fots' and Henry recover, but everyone else got through unscathed.''
The trial gave the Brumbies a chance to test a near full-strength team for the first time this year.
Wallabies centre Pat McCabe will also come into contention for the start of the season.
Pocock needed stitches for a cut above his right eye, leaving the field with blood streaming down his face. It was the former Wallabies captain and star flanker's first game in Australia since having a knee reconstruction 11 months ago.
''You can do as much training as you want, but being out there is what you need … it was a bit scrappy,'' Pocock said.
''There were a lot of cobwebs last week, but there was a bit more rhythm in defence and attack. After being out for so long I'm just enjoying being back out there.
''The lungs aren't burning as much but I'm a lot sorer this week.''
The Brumbies scored just four tries in the first half as the ACT XV team, made up of Canberra's best club rugby players, put up a staunch defensive effort.
The floodgates did not open until late in the contest when the Brumbies' superior fitness prevailed. Hooker Siliva Siliva scored a hat-trick and speedy back Robbie Coleman strengthened his bid for a starting XV spot with two outstanding tries. Japanese recruit Harumichi Tatekawa also scored his first try for the Brumbies.
The Brumbies also got a chance to trial new goalkicker Matt Toomua. Regular sharpshooter Christian Lealiifano will be out of action until at least next month and flyhalf Toomua got his chance to impress.
Toomua is in a three-way battle with Jesse Mogg and Nic White for the kicking duties.
''We still have a way to go before the season and we have to pinpoint a couple of areas we can improve,'' Pocock said.
The Brumbies will play against the ACT XV again on Friday in an intra-club match.
''I'm pleased with the way we performed and the way we finished off,'' Larkham said. ''You can't come into these games half-hearted. The guys were ready for a very confrontational game and that's what we got. You run the risk but you need the game time.''
AT A GLANCE
ACT BRUMBIES 67 (Siliva Siliva 3, Robbie Coleman 2, Harumichi Tatekawa, Joseph Tomane, Henry Speight, Scott Sio, Stephan van der Walt, Ruan Smith tries; Lionel Cronje 3, Matt Toomua 2 conversions) bt ACT XV 0 at Viking Park on Saturday night. Referee: Ian Smith.
