Tevita Kuridrani can sense something special is building in the capital.
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That's why the ACT Brumbies star turned his back on rival overseas offers to pen a one year contract extension with the finals-bound Super Rugby club.
The Brumbies are determined to make waves in their return to the finals, which comes after they meet the Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.
Kuridrani looms as a huge part of their bid to break a championship-drought as he sits on the cusp of a Wallabies return for this year's World Cup.
The 28-year-old is the only player to have scored more than five tries [seven] and made more than five try assists [six] in this year's competition as he edges closer to an international return.
But before he sets his sights on a return to Wallaby gold, Kuridrani has the chance to help the Brumbies in the finals.
"We've got a really young squad, a new squad this year. It really helped me to re-sign as well, to be one of the senior players next year helping out the younger guys that are coming through," Kuridrani said.
"The way we're going at the moment, we're going really well, and hopefully we can continue to build on that.
"There was a few places that offered for me to go but I really love Canberra, I really like the community and the place.
"I wasn't really ready to go, so it made it easy for me to stay and sign for one more year."
While Kuridrani is set to extend his stay in the capital, a rival barnstorming centre is desperate to go out on a high before he draws curtains on his Australian career - for now.
Reds skipper Samu Kerevi intends to bow out a winner as he prepares to move to Japan's Top League on a three-year deal next season.
The 26-year-old tossed and turned on the decision but said his brilliant form this year - and any subsequent late push from Rugby Australia to salvage a deal - wasn't enough to make him go back on his word.
Kerevi's stock has soared throughout the season - and he is coming up against what has proven to be the Australian conference's toughest test this week.
The Brumbies are riding a five-game streak, something they haven't bettered since the run home in 2007.
But Kerevi's Reds have won three of their last four against the Brumbies and the departing skipper would love one more in his farewell clash.
"I hope this weekend will be their last loss and they'll go all the way," Kerevi said.
"They're playing some awesome footy, I've got some awesome mates and credit to them for hitting their straps at the right time of the season.
"They'll be hurting from the first time we played them ... it'll be an awesome game."
The memories of the Brumbies' 36-14 drubbing at the hands of the Reds earlier this year haven't escaped the mind of Brumbies captain Christian Leali'ifano.
It means while he can take comfort in the fact the Brumbies will be there come finals time, the ACT flyhalf has some unfinished business to take care of.
"That's nice to know the finals berth is secure, but for us, it's about continuing to improve our game," Leali'ifano said.
"We owe Queensland one, they got us up there and we weren't happy about that performance.
"We understand how important this game is for us, and we've just got to play that way."
The Brumbies will field a different line-up in their last hit out before the finals, with coach Dan McKellar confident an injection of new faces will spark the ACT into life.
Henry Speight, Tom Cusack, Toni Pulu and Darcy Swain will miss out against the Reds with Jahrome Brown to start at No. 7, Tom Wright on the wing and Murray Douglas thrown onto the bench.
Lachlan McCaffrey will start as Pete Samu shuffles back to the bench, while Scott Sio will start in his 100th game as part of a regular prop rotation with James Slipper.
Ryan Lonergan, Len Ikitau and Jordan Jackson-Hope will come onto the bench.
"It's nice to give guys an opportunity, guys that have really stepped up this year when they have been called upon," Leali'ifano said.
"It's reward for them to be able to get another opportunity to run out here at home against quality opposition. It's not just resting guys, these guys deserve their chance.
"We're really keen [to finish on a high in front of a home crowd before the finals], it's always nice to be at home.
"Hopefully we can get a really nice crowd out to not only support Pasifika round, the day and all the festivities that are on, but to enjoy a good quality, entertaining game as well." With AAP.
SUPER RUGBY ROUND 18
Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.
Brumbies: 1. Scott Sio, 2. Folau Faingaa, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Rory Arnold, 5. Sam Carter, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Jahrome Brown, 8. Lachlan McCaffrey, 9. Joe Powell, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Tom Wright, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Andy Muirhead, 15. Tom Banks. Reserves: 16. Connal McInerney, 17. James Slipper, 18. Les Leuluaialii-Makin, 19. Murray Douglas, 20. Pete Samu, 21. Ryan Lonergan, 22. Len Ikitau, 23. Jordan Jackson-Hope.
Reds: 1. JP Smith, 2. Alex Mafi, 3. Taniela Tupou, 4. Izack Rodda, 5. Harry Hockings, 6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 7. Liam Wright, 8. Angus Scott-Young, 9. Scott Malolua, 10. Matt McGahan, 11. Filipo Daugunu, 12. Samu Kerevi, 13. Chris Feauai-Sautia, 14. Jock Campbell, 15. Bryce Hegarty. Reserves: 16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17. Ruan Smith, 18. Gav Luka, 19. Caleb Timu, 20. Scott Higginbotham, 21. Moses Sorovi, 22. Duncan Paia'aua, 23. Sefa Naivalu.
The way we're going at the moment, we're going really well, and hopefully we can continue to build on that.
- Tevita Kuridrani