An intense return to ACT Brumbies training has prop Scott Sio primed to push his case for Wallabies selection and he will get a chance to use the Super Rugby finals campaign to impress new Test coach Ewen McKenzie.
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Sio also backed Wallabies front-rower Ben Alexander to get back to his scrumming best in the Brumbies' last game of the regular season against the Western Force on Saturday night.
Alexander had a torrid night against the British and Irish Lions last week and was sent to the sin bin after just 25 minutes for repeated scrum infringements. The Wallabies pack was monstered and the 51-Test prop's confidence took a hit when he was benched before half-time.
Alexander wants to now focus on the clash against the Force and decided not to speak about the Wallabies' scrum troubles.
But Sio said the Brumbies front-row combination had not been affected by the Lions' domination.
''We understand the importance of this game and combinations are going to be key. [The front row] has been working well for us and we have to bring it back again,'' Sio said.
The Brumbies have just three fit props on their full-time roster - Sio, Alexander and Ruan Smith. Dan Palmer (foot) and Ruaidhri Murphy (knee) are out for the rest of the season.
Sio joined the Wallabies after just 18 Super Rugby games. He was in camp for the Lions series but didn't make his Test debut under axed coach Robbie Deans, and will have to start over to impress McKenzie.
''[Wallabies selection] is always in the back of your mind. But I've just got to play for the Brumbies in whatever role I'm needed and the rest will take care of itself,'' Sio said.
