Brumbies coach Jake White has continued to ease McCabe back into the Super Rugby competition from a broken neck, using the 21-Test centre from the bench and opting for the in-form Lealiifano at No.12.

But rugby commentators, including Wallabies great Mark Ella, have touted that Australian coach Robbie Deans could prefer the experienced McCabe at inside-centre for the Lions series next month and July.

Lealiifano said he wanted to cement the No.12 jersey with the Brumbies, admitting the friendly rivalry with McCabe was highly beneficial as he strives for his international debut.

''The motivation is for both of us so we've got to help each other as much as we can,'' Lealiifano said.

''It is a weird dynamic [with Wallabies selection] and I'm glad I'm not the coach … all we can do is worry about our own games and the best way to function for the team.

''We don't really talk about it too much, it's sort of an unspoken thing and you just know he's knocking on the door and itching to play.''

The Brumbies will ramp up their finals bid when they return to action against arch rivals the NSW Waratahs next Saturday night.

McCabe started his Test bid when he played for Wests in the John I Dent Cup on Saturday.

It was the 25-year-old's first chance at extended game time since making his comeback from a career-threatening broken neck.

The Brumbies' strong Super Rugby form has limited McCabe to just one game in the starting XV this season, stuck on the bench behind a blossoming back line.

Instead of viewing it as a head-to-head battle for Brumbies and Wallabies duties, Lealiifano and McCabe are working together. ''I know Patty is itching to get on and play, I want to see him on there, too,'' Lealiifano said.

''I know it's frustrating because we both want to be playing in one position … but to see him working so hard and putting the team first is amazing. He's a quality person and a quality team man who's proven himself [at Test level] … he always puts the team first and that's motivation for us both.''

Just 12 months ago Lealiifano and McCabe formed a combination as the Brumbies' five-eighth and inside-centre when Matt Toomua ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

Lealiifano was on the cusp of Wallabies selection last season before he dislocated his ankle. He could get his chance against the Lions and his ability to play at inside-centre, five-eighth or fullback make him an attractive Wallabies prospect.

But Lealiifano wants to stamp himself as a one-position player.

''I'm really enjoying focusing on one position, I don't want to be a Jack-of-all-trades and master-of-none. I just want to master one position at the moment and that's No.12 for me this year.''

Twitter -@BlockaDutton