That's taking nothing away from Rathbone and the work he's done to get back into the starting XV after three years out of the game. But having the former Wallabies winger back adds an extra bit of spice and anticipation to a campaign that the Brumbies hope will lift them back into the Super Rugby finals.

If Rathbone can stay injury-free and play the blockbusting game that lifted him into the Test arena, it has all the makings for a rugby movie.

Lealiifano was a certainty to be selected in his first Wallabies squad before he dislocated his ankle playing against the Waratahs last year.

It might take him some time to recapture the same form, but he's a proven leader in the Brumbies' back line and he's on Robbie Deans' radar for Test selection.

The 25-year-old will start the season at inside-centre as Matt Toomua gets a chance to cement his place at fly-half.

That will give Lealiifano more time and space to terrorise oppositions. What makes him dangerous is his unpredictability. He can slice a defence open, throw a wide pass or use his superb kicking game.

Jake White and Ewen McKenzie have built the round-one clash into a war with accusations of mind games. The Brumbies are trying to knock off the Reds as the best team in the Australian conference.

White got on the front foot and said McKenzie was trying to distract his team by refusing to name a starting line-up.

The players will have seen the jibes between the coaches and hopefully the passion is evident on the field.

The Brumbies laid some solid foundations last season and they're ready to branch out and add a bit of attacking flair to their back line.

They've got try-scoring ability in Joseph Tomane, Henry Speight, Jesse Mogg and Clyde Rathbone.

To be a contender, they know they have to be able to score more tries as well as keeping their strong defensive record intact. White wants to play ''entertaining'' rugby, but the No.1 priority is winning.

The Brumbies have been blessed with great openside flankers in the past. George Smith tops the list and foundation captain Brett Robinson also wore the No.7 jersey.

Now it's Pocock's turn and as one of the best players in world rugby, there's little doubt he'll slot straight into the game plan.

The good news for fans is the Brumbies are confident they can turn Pocock in the an even better player by adding an attacking edge to his game while still dominating the breakdown in defence.