The ACT Brumbies are confident they have a back-row combination capable of nullifying one of the world's best openside flankers - David Pocock - and winning the breakdown in their Super Rugby season opener.
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The Brumbies will begin their season in a round-one clash with the Western Force at Canberra Stadium on Friday night.
Coach Jake White will name his team tomorrow with Tongan powerhouse Ita Vaea in line to be given a chance to take on Pocock in the unfamiliar No.7 jersey.
Vaea burst into Super Rugby last season and made his name as a destructive No.8.
But after three trial matches on the side of the scrum, Vaea's job will be to ''bash the breakdown'' in the match against the Force.
White could select a monster back row to take on the Force.
Captain Ben Mowen will start at No8 with Peter Kimlin likely to join Vaea as the team's flankers.
If White opts for the trio, the Brumbies' back row will be a combined 336 kilograms and 580 centimetres, giving it a 23 kilogram and 19 centimetre advantage over the Force if they select Pocock, Ben McCalman and Matt Hodgson.
''It's good having Ita there at No7, he'll bash the breakdown at any stage he can,'' Kimlin said.
''A guy like that in front of you and you can feed off that.
''The challenge is to see if we can gel together and be hard on the ball as well as aggressive.''
Vaea is one of the most aggressive players in the Brumbies' squad.
He is not a traditional ball-fetcher, but White is confident the 23-year-old can handle the changing role.
Vaea played 14 games for the Brumbies last season despite only being an Academy player before the first game.
Vaea admitted he was shocked when White first told him he would be used as an openside flanker on occasions this year.
''I love playing No7 to be honest, I'm happy where the coach puts me and I'll just do my best,'' Vaea said.
''I had shock in my eyes when Jake told me he wanted me to play No7 … you just have to know what the role is and make it easier for the other guys around me.
''Jake wants me in there being aggressive … I've got to get in there and let the other team know we're here to play and we're not going to be easy.''
Pocock established himself as arguably the best openside flanker in the world with his dominant performances at the World Cup last year.
He has been battling an injury, but is expected to lead the Force side to Canberra. The 23-year-old has taken over the Force captaincy from veteran lock Nathan Sharpe.
The Brumbies will need to find a way to stamp him out of the game and minimise his influence in a ''vital'' round-one contest.
Vaea wasn't daunted by the prospect of lining up against Pocock and the 108 kilogram forward said he was fitter and stronger than last year.
''It will be great to be playing against Pocock and it will be a good challenge,'' Vaea said.
''But we'll worry about ourselves before we worry about the Force and I'll just go out there and try to be destructive.''
