ACT Brumbies lock Rory Arnold has been ruled out of the team's clash against the Japan Sunwolves, opening the door for rookie Darcy Swain to make his mark on Super Rugby.
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Arnold has joined the Brumbies' casualty ward after damaging the ligaments in his ankle last week, ruling him out for at least one match in his farewell Australian season.
Swain is set to be called into the Brumbies' starting second row to partner Sam Carter in what will be the eighth game of his career.
The Brumbies are wary of underestimating the dangerous Sunwolves, who have won just two games this season but are regarded as a team capable of causing massive upsets.
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar will finalise his side on Thursday, with back-rowers David Pocock, Lachlan McCaffrey and Rob Valetini likely to be ruled out for at least one more week.
"Rory's not as bad as first thought, but that's the beauty of having next week off [for a bye]. He may be a chance to play [the next game] against the Bulls," McKellar said.
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"[McCaffrey] is unlikely. Is he 100 per cent fit to play and perform well rather than just fill a jersey? If he's not, we won't push him out there.
"The Sunwolves are a difficult side to prepare for at the best of times, it's difficult to track combinations or players because these guys appear from anywhere.
"The first year or two the Sunwolves might have been easybeats of the competition, but that's certainly not the case any more. They're a very well coached side and our boys are well aware of that."
Swain made his debut last year and has since established himself as a lock of the future given the Brumbies are bracing for the departure of Arnold and Carter at the end of the year.
The 22-year-old has played the past five consecutive games since signing a two-year contract extension to stay in Canberra.
He is a part of the group of young guns coming through the Brumbies system, which includes outside centre Len Ikitau, Mack Hansen, Tom Ross, Ryan Lonergan and Rob Valetini.
"Len was good last week ... that's the beauty of our pathway and academy system," McKellar said. "Those guys have been in our pathway system for three years or more. We don't rush them into professional rugby. We develop them and make sure when they get their opportunity, they're full of confidence."
SUPER RUGBY ROUND 13
Sunday: ACT Brumbies v Japan Sunwolves at Canberra Stadium, 4.05pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.