Canberra fire hit 'close to home' for Brumbies

The smoke lingering above the city will serve as a constant reminder to Brumbies players about their mission to give the capital's rugby fans a reason to smile this season.

They have invited supporters to their last training session on Thursday and major sponsor Plus500 will donate $500 per try and $500 per conversion to the bushfire recovery appeal.

But the truth is the Brumbies' don't need external motivation because some of their own are nervously watching the Orrarol Valley fire front.

Ryan and Lachlan Lonergan have a family farm at Williamsdale and some staff live in Tuggeranong.

McKellar has spoken to Ryan Lonergan about coping with the fight against fire and round-one expectations for the clash against the Queensland Reds in Canberra.

If the fire threatens the Lonergan's property, or family is affected, the Brumbies will enact a back-up plan for the reserve scrumhalf.

"We're a massive part of the community and we're really feeling for people," McKellar said.

"It's pretty close to home at the moment. The Lonergans are down there and some staff as well. It's at the forefront of our minds.

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"Sport provides enjoyment, and that's what we want to do on Friday night. To make sure Canberra and the ACT community has something to smile about.

"We won't be perfect on Friday, but we'll put in a performance built around our effort and just wanting to play for each other, and importantly, playing for our community."

Super Rugby officials will monitor the heat, forecast to be 41 degrees, and smoke before the match, which will start at the new kick-off time of 7.15pm.

"You'll need a onesie or umbrella for sun protection this weekend, not the cold," McKellar said.

"We'll make sure we play our part. Round one is always fast and intense, that will be the case on Friday."

SUPER RUGBY ROUND ONE

Friday: ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm.

Brumbies: 1. Scott Sio, 2. Folau Faingaa, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Darcy Swain, 5. Murray Douglas, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Tom Cusack, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Joe Powell, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Solomone Kata, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Tom Wright, 15. Tom Banks. Reserves: 16. Connal McInerney, 17. Harry Lloyd, 18. James Slipper, 19. Caderyn Neville, 20. Will Miller, 21. Ryan Lonergan, 22. Bayley Kuenzle, 23. Andy Muirhead.

Reds: 1. JP Smith, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3. Taniela Tupou, 4. Angus Blyth, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Angus Scott-Young, 7. Liam Wright (capt), 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Tate McDermott, 10. Isaac Lucas, 11. Henry Speight, 12. James O'Connor, 13. Jordan Petaia, 14. Jock Campbell, 15. Bryce Hegarty. Reserves: 16. Alex Mafi, 17. Dane Zander, 18. Feao Fotuaika, 19. Izack Rodda, 20. Seru Uru, 21. Moses Sorovi, 22. Hamish Stewart, 23. Hunter Paisami.