Mokotupu vows to repay Brumbies for giving him chance

Mokotupu and Tuggeranong Vikings teammate JP Pradaud will make a giant leap into the Brumbies squad to take on the Six Nations champions at Canberra Stadium.

Their selection in the squad is a reward for their impressive John I Dent Cup campaigns.

And five years after a knee injury crippled Mokotupu's Super Rugby dream, the 29-year-old is determined to prove he can still match it with professional players.

Mokotupu was close to landing a deal with the Brumbies in 2007.

But in an Australian Rugby Championship trial match for the Canberra Vikings, Mokotupu busted his knee and a reconstruction ruined his contract hopes.

''We were playing against the Perth side and in the first five minutes I went to do a kick, it got charged down and next thing I'm on the sideline being told I needed an operation,'' Mokotupu said.

''They said I needed to prove myself in the ARC and then I think they had a spare halfback spot which I was going for, but I eventually missed the contract.

''It was frustrating at the time because it was the perfect opportunity to get a chance at the Brums. But I haven't had any other major injuries and I really appreciate the opportunity to play on Tuesday to pull the Brumbies jersey on, especially against a team like Wales.''

Brumbies coach Jake White will name his team for the clash today.

Mokotupu and prop Pradaud will likely get their chances off the bench while it is expected hooker Siliva Siliva will be selected for his first game of the year.

With Super Rugby in the middle of a three-week hiatus, the match will be crucial in the Brumbies' run to the finals.

The squad's fringe players have an opportunity to give White a significant selection headache for the Brumbies' match against the Western Force on June 30.

''If I do get a chance I'll put my best foot forward to show I can perform at that next level and prove I can take that next step,'' Mokotupu said.