THE ACT Brumbies started the season as an unknown threat but coach Jake White says Queensland's decision to delay naming their team puts his side in a ''position of strength'' for their crucial clash at Canberra Stadium.
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Whether it's selection high jinks or strategy, Reds coach Ewen McKenzie opted yesterday to announce a 23-man squad instead of unveiling his starting XV for the defending champions' trip to Canberra tomorrow night.
The match will likely decide which team finishes on top of the Australian conference for a guaranteed spot in the finals.
Fitness doubts over Beau Robinson and Ben Lucas forced McKenzie to delay naming his team. But White said the selection intrigue was a ''massive compliment'' to the Brumbies.
''It's wonderful people are delaying things, taking their time and working things out according to our strength … That's a position of strength for us,'' White said.
While the Reds will wait until their final training session in Canberra to finalise their team, White made two changes to his side yesterday.
Powerful No.8 Fotu Auelua has been left out after suffering from concussion last week, so Peter Kimlin will step in to start at blindside breakaway. Nic White has reclaimed the starting halfback spot.
