ACT Brumbies prop Ben Alexander's record-equalling milestone looms as one of the toughest tests of his Super Rugby career as braces for battle against an Argentina scrum.
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Alexander will equal George Smith as the most-capped player in Brumbies history when he runs on to the field to play against the Jaguares for the first time in Buenos Aires.
It will be a special moment for the unbreakable front-rower, who has missed only a handful of games since making his Super Rugby debut in 2008.
But it could also be the hardest given Alexander has taken on scrum leadership duties for the club's tour of Argentina and South Africa against two teams which thrive on set-piece rugby.
Alexander is one of only a few Brumbies who have played in Argentina before, making his impact even more valuable for a clash against the hard-nosed Jaguares forwards.
Argentinian rugby has a reputation for producing scrum experts and Wallabies front-rower Allan Alaalatoa said the Brumbies were ready to muscle up.
"We know it's going to be a strong scrum battle, but it's not something we're going to shy away from," Alaalatoa said.
"I'm sure the boys are all up for it and we're actually looking forward to it. You gain a lot of respect from someone like Benny A as well.
"He's a veteran of the team and he still runs around like he's my age. He absolutely loves it and that's something everyone thrives on.
"Benny brings a lot of energy and experience as well, he's also been to Buenos Aires as well so I think he's going to take us to find a steak so we can taste some local delights."
The Brumbies ended a four-game losing streak last weekend to breathe new life into their Super Rugby finals hopes.
They need to beat the Jaguares to stay at the top of the Australian conference and complete a successful 34,000 kilometre journey from Canberra to Port Elizabeth, Buenos Aires and back home.
Alexander is set for a double celebration as he looks to equal Smith's mark and then break it when the Brumbies play the Melbourne Rebels at Canberra Stadium next weekend.
The 72-Test Wallaby is keen to extend his career beyond the end of the season and will weigh up his future in the coming weeks when he returns home.
"Benny A has really taken a bigger role in the team over the last few weeks in terms of managing the scrum and our forward pack," said Jarrad Butler.
"Our scrum coach, Dan Palmer, isn't here so Benny has taken that on and he's got so much knowledge around that area of the game so you respect what he says because he's been there and done that.
"He's such a great guy and it's going to be an amazing achievement when he reaches it this weekend."
The clash against the Jaguares will be the last chance for players to impress Wallabies coach Michael Cheika before he names his squad for three Test series in June.
Alaalatoa will almost certainly be included while Sam Carter, Scott Fardy, Rory Arnold, Joe Powell, Tevita Kuridrani and Henry Speight will also be pushing for selection.
Injured Wallabies prop Scott Sio is recovering from a knee injury in Canberra but it's unclear if he will be fit in time to play in the series against Fiji, Scotland and Italy.
Fardy says the Brumbies' only focus is backing up their performance last weekend to secure back to back wins for the first time in two months.
"It's about being in it together and understanding what you've got to go through for this sort of trip," Fardy said.
"The Brumbies have always been a tight unit and that's why we love to play rugby. But it's up to the individual for how they back up this weekend."
SUPER RUGBY ROUND 14
Sunday: Argentina Jaguares v ACT Brumbies at Estadio Jose Amalfitani, Buenos Aires, 7.40am. TV time: Live on Fox Sports 1.
