Carter has become the "forgotten man" of Australia's World Cup selection battle despite being on of the most consistent performers throughout Super Rugby this year.

He will team up with Rory Arnold on Saturday night as the Brumbies attempt to win their first final since 2015 when they play the Durban Sharks at Canberra Stadium.

Arnold and Carter lead the competition for the most lineout takes this season and have formed a formidable duo.

But while Arnold is expected to be included in the Wallabies' squad, Carter's name has been rarely mentioned. McKellar says it's time for that to change and wants the 120-game veteran to be rewarded.

"I put him on the bench for that Crusaders game and that was probably a bit of a shock to him. His reaction since then has been first-class," McKellar said.

"He's defending as well as he's ever defended. He's just such a valuable player here, it's a bit like he's the forgotten man.

"When I think of locks I value physicality, work-rate, repeat efforts, good set piece. And he brings all of those. His lineout, maul and scrum work is equal to any and he plays 80 minutes every week at tighthead lock.

"I hear all these conversations about other locks, but we've got a guy here, with his form, he needs to be acknowledged."

Carter is the Brumbies' leading tackler this year and has taken 64 lineouts, just three behind competition leader Arnold.

BRUMBIES NEWS

The 29-year-old hasn't played for the Wallabies since 2017 and appears to be on the outer with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika despite his strong form.

"I spoke to Dan earlier this year and it was a bit of a kick up the backside. It was a pretty brutal conversation. But in order to grow and get better, you have to have those conversations," Carter said.

"You always kind of want to play at the top level and my dream has always been to play for the Wallabies. I've had a couple of setbacks, but it is in the back of my mind.

If I get an opportunity, I'll take it. But right not my only focus is the Brumbies and making sure we get this win."

Carter will move his career to Ireland at the end of the season after making his Super Rugby debut in 2011.

He has played almost every game since his debut appearance was captain for two years before Christian Lealiifano took the reins this year.

Carter was a late addition to the Wallabies' World Cup squad in 2015, but Cheika has opted to go with bigger locks in the search for physicality. Izack Rodda and Adam Coleman will be a part of the World Cup squad and Harry Hockings has been added to a training group.

Carter's hopes, however, are still in the air.

"Carts does the stuff people don't see, but we certainly see it as a Brumbies group," McKellar said.

"We've got a lot of respect for what Sam brings to the group. He's not a 126 kilogram lock making linebreaks, he's someone who's going to turn up time after time and we value that at the Brumbies.

"It's important to have physicality. But I think it's also important to have all of the attributes that Carts brings.

"You look back at whenever Carts has had individual accolades and the first thing he says is about the team. He's genuine about that, and that's how he went about the captaincy."

SUPER RUGBY QUARTER-FINAL

Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Durban Sharks at Canberra Stadium, 8.05pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.

Brumbies: 1. Scott Sio, 2. Folau Faingaa, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Rory Arnold, 5. Sam Carter, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Tom Cusack, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Joe Powell, 10. Christian Leaiifano, 11. Toni Pulu, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Henry Speight. 15. Tom Banks. Reserves: 16. Connal McInerney, 17. James Slipper, 18. Les Leulualiaali-Makin, 19. Darcy Swain, 20. Lachlan McCaffrey, 21. Jahrome Brown, 22. Matt Lucas, 23. Tom Wright.