He's the odd man out in a forward pack full of Wallabies, but the ACT Brumbies have a plan to transform Sam Carter into a physically imposing second-rower to launch his Test ambitions.
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Carter, 24, is the only non-Wallaby in the Brumbies forward pack which started the Super Rugby grand final last season.
But director of rugby Laurie Fisher has implored the two-metre, 110-kilogram second-rower to use his bulk to barge down the selection door and impress Wallabies coaches.
''You've got to earn your position and Carts has things to improve if he wants to be an international player,'' Fisher said. ''If you're two metres tall and over 110 kilograms, you've got to have a physical presence. That's what he can target this year … now's the time to say, 'I'm a big bloke, I need to throw my weight around'. That's his challenge.''
The Brumbies will continue their pre-season campaign with a trial against an ACT XV at Viking Park on Saturday night.
The club's Wallabies stars will return for the match, but Pat McCabe, who has broken his neck twice since November 2012, will be rested after a head knock last weekend.
The 14-strong Brumbies' Wallabies contingent is in stark contrast to their rebuilding year in 2012.
They started that year with just three Wallabies - McCabe, Stephen Moore and Ben Alexander - in a squad of 35.
Carter watched as housemate and second-row partner Scott Fardy emerged from obscurity to make his Wallabies debut last year.
After missing just one game of the past two seasons and having a 96 per cent tackling efficiency last year, Carter hopes a power-running game can propel him into the Wallabies. ''The boys don't rip into me about (being the only non-Wallaby).
''But I am the only bloke who hasn't played (a Test) so it would be nice to get there,'' Carter said. ''I'm not too focused on it at the moment though, I'd rather concentrate on (the Super Rugby season).
''Fards has worked hard over the last few years and that's really shown through. It gives me a bit of confidence, so hopefully I can work on a few things and give it a crack.''
The Brumbies are yet to decide how their forward pack will line up for the season opener against the Queensland Reds on February 22.
Fardy played all of the Super Rugby campaign as a second-rower, but shifted to blindside flanker for the Wallabies.
He could remain in that role for the Brumbies, which would open the door for Leon Power or Jack Whetton to earn a spot in the ACT's starting XV.
Power played just three Super Rugby games last season as he recovered from a fractured back.
''I've just got to push those guys every game and at training to try to force my way into the team,'' Power said. ''[Fardy and Carter] are good quality locks, so I've just got to play better. I just need some more games under the belt.''
SATURDAY
Super Rugby trial: ACT Brumbies v ACT XV at Viking Park, 7pm, Saturday. Entry is free.