Rookie hooker Folau Faingaa says a stint in Wallabies camp has boosted his confidence and helped add composure to his game as he prepares to lead the ACT Brumbies pack into a New Zealand storm.
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The Brumbies will be playing to save their season when they meet the Waikato Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday afternoon aiming to end a four-year Kiwi drought and beat the Chiefs at home for the first time since 2007.
It is hoped scrum anchors Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa will be fit to bolster the Brumbies travelling party, while Sam Carter and Lachlan McCaffrey are also in contention to return from injury.
Faingaa returned from suspension in the win against the Wellington Hurricanes last weekend and showed why he was picked in an extended Wallabies squad despite having just 11 games of experience.
The hard-hitting rake has been one of the buys of the season and has stepped up to fill the starting role for most of the year after Josh Mann-Rea tore his hamstring off the bone.
"I would say I've got more confidence now [after Wallabies camp] with the blokes that were around me. I've come back here and taken on board what I got out of the [June series against Ireland]," Faingaa said.
"[I learnt] just being composed about myself and being myself on the field. Not having to push extra things, just being myself. I've just got to control my emotions."
Faingaa scored a try, made two linebreaks and ran for 83 metres against the Hurricanes to go with his scrum and lineout work.
He was one of the standout performers in the Brumbies' first win against a New Zealand side in more than two years. It was the first time most of the Brumbies, including Folau, had tasted victory against a Kiwi opponent.
But the next challenge against the Chiefs is even more daunting. The Brumbies haven't beaten the Chiefs in New Zealand since 2007, which doubled as the final season of Super Rugby for club greats Stephen Larkham, George Gregan and Jeremy Paul.
"[The finals race] is towards the back of our mind at the moment, we just want to finish on a high note," Faingaa said.
SUPER RUGBY ROUND 18
Saturday: Waikato Chiefs v ACT Brumbies at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, 3.15pm. TV time: Live on Fox Sports.