Siliva played his first game for the ACT Brumbies in their 10-point loss to Wales at Canberra Stadium on Tuesday night.

His appearance off the bench as the back-up hooker in the second half ended a wretched run with injuries.

Recruited as a potential front-row star, his career was halted before it started when he had an off-season knee reconstruction.

Just three games into his comeback he damaged ligaments in his ankles as well as adding two calf strains to his injury list.

But after playing 20 minutes against Wales and holding his own in the scrum and lineout, Siliva hopes he can pressure Anthony Hegarty for selection to become Stephen Moore's back-up rake.

''There were a lot of emotions when I got out there, coming from my history and it was good to get my hands on the ball to show what I can do,'' Siliva said.

''It's been frustrating, I signed and I was really excited but then I just hit a mad wall of injuries.

''It was depressing, but it's given me the confidence to push through.

''I can definitely see the light now … Super Rugby is something I've always wanted to do, it's a life goal so I really want to get that cap.''

Brumbies coach Jake White gave some of his untested players a chance to impress in the mid-week tour clash with Wales.

While the Six Nations champions Welsh dominated the first half and cruised out to a three-try lead, the young Brumbies fought back into the contest.

They got within four points before two late penalty goals sealed a 25-15 victory for the visitors.

In his brief stint on the field, Siliva showed why he was a former Australian under-20s hooker despite admitting: ''I've never been that exhausted after a game.''

He will back it up and play for Royals against the Queanbeyan Whites at Campese Field on Saturday as he launches his bid for Super Rugby selection.

Siliva wasn't the only player trying to push his claims for selection.

With Joseph Tomane recovering from an ankle injury and Robbie Coleman leaving the field at half-time with a shoulder problem, an outside back spot is likely to be available for the Brumbies' match against the Western Force on June 30.

Cam Crawford, Tom Cox and Kimami Sitauti had opportunities to stake their claim.

''I definitely feel ready, it was good to see what that level was like and hopefully I can build on that performance,'' Crawford said.

''It was a good stepping stone.''