Staniforth was superb as he ended his 701-day exile from Super Rugby against the Western Force on Friday night, and was instrumental in helping the Brumbies fight to a 31-14 win.

The Canberra junior has forced his way into calculations for a starting spot and is part of the squad to travel to South Africa for a two-game tour of the Republic.

Staniforth helped set up a crucial second-half try for Joseph Tomane with his first touch in the game and was equally as impressive in defence, stealing lineout throws and being a menace in the tackle contact.

"I'm just so happy to get back on the field and play, I'm happy for the win and all the boys dug deep," Staniforth said.

"The goal now is to try to cement a spot in the match-day 23 every week, that's everyone's goal. I just want to enjoy my footy and keep trying to improve as a player.

"It was very physical and very fast, but I enjoyed my time getting back out there. It's all just a blur, I can't really even remember what was going on. I'm just so happy to be playing again."

The Brumbies are unbeaten after their first three games of the season, and have won four games in a row to start a campaign just once since 2005.

They play the Cape Town Stormers next weekend followed by a clash against the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein before returning to Canberra.

Staniforth is on his first trip to South Africa two years after making his debut for the Brumbies.

He had to wait on the sideline for more than 700 days before getting his next opportunity, but he says it was worth the delay.

Much has been made of the Brumbies boasting 11 Wallabies in their starting side.

But at the end of the match, the forward pack was littered with young guns who represent the future of the club with Staniforth joining Allan Alaalatoa and Les Leuluaialii-Makin.

"Tommy had a lot of energy when he came on, he's worked super, super hard for this," said Brumbies playmaker Matt Toomua.

"He deserves this chance and it would be great if he could keep that spot for a little bit longer.

"Guys off the bench are having great impact and they're getting more game time, that shows how much confidence we've got in the bench. To get energy like that if we're not going well, it's hugely helpful.

"That genuinely shows that it's a whole squad effort through the year."