The ACT Brumbies will put Super Rugby hopes ahead of Wallabies ambitions as they prepare for a season-defining month which can make or break their title dreams.
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Brumbies flanker Scott Fardy says he is keen to continue his Wallabies career in the mid-year Test series against Fiji, Scotland and Italy despite his impending departure from Australian rugby at the end of the year.
But the respected back-rower insists the looming international campaign will not be a motivating factor for the Brumbies to get their season back on track.
The Brumbies will play the dangerous Johannesburg Lions at Canberra Stadium on Friday night as they desperately work to avoid four losses in a row for the first time in six years.
Coach Stephen Larkham is set to tinker with his line-up again as he continues his rotation policy and versatile back-rower Jordan Smiler is pushing for a recall after overcoming a hamstring problem.
The Brumbies have several players on the cusp of Wallabies duties, including scrumhalf Joe Powell and skipper Sam Carter.
Fardy is trying to win back a regular starting spot after playing four of his past six Tests from the bench.
The 32-year-old will leave the Brumbies at the end of the season to start a stint at Irish club Leinster but is keen to contribute to Australian rugby until he departs.
"Any time you get an opportunity to represent your country, you put your hand up straight away," Fardy said.
"I'd be very keen to play for Australia in the series in June if selected, but I know that's a long way off.
"None of our guys are looking at that. You've got to just focus on playing well this week and really I'm just focusing on holding my spot here at the Brumbies.
"Most guys understand what is expected of them if they want to wear the gold jersey. It's easy to look good if you're winning, but individuals are closely monitored as well to see how they're playing."
Australian rugby is in the midst of an alarming form slump this season, winning just three games against South African teams and losing all 17 against New Zealand opponents.
The Brumbies have won three games this year, but all of those wins have been against Australian rivals.
Despite their mid-year slide, the Brumbies still lead the Australian conference after gaining six bonus points, including five losses by seven points or less.
The Brumbies face a tough stretch to stabilise their play-off hopes as they prepare to play the Lions before an around-the-world two-week tour to South Africa and Argentina.
The Brumbies have lost just once against the Lions in Canberra and haven't lost to the Johannesburg side since 2011.
"It's just about winning, that's the same about every week. We haven't been able to do that the last few weeks so we just have to prepare as best we possibly can," Fardy said.
"I don't think you can pinpoint [an area that's letting us down], it's different from week to week so we just have to make sure our concentration is at our best.
"If guys are at their best, we'll get the results we want. Internally we're very critical of ourselves, but you move on quickly to prepare for the next game as best as you can."
SUPER RUGBY ROUND 12
Friday: ACT Brumbies v Johannesburg Lions at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm. Tickets available at Ticketek.
