Forgotten Wallaby Pete Samu is making it impossible for the new Test coach to ignore him after sparking the ACT Brumbies to their best start to a season in four years.
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The classy back-rower has been the Brumbies' most consistent player in the first two rounds and was influential in a 13-point win against the Melbourne Rebels on Friday night.
His early-season form makes the Wallabies' decision to omit him from the World Cup squad last year even more baffling considering he has picked up where he left off.
Most thought the departure of David Pocock would be a debilitating blow to the Brumbies' back row.
Samu is leading the next generation and the way he's playing has launched him on to Dave Rennie's radar.
The 28-year-old made 58 metres, two clean breaks, beat six defenders and was solid defensively in the win against the Rebels.
The challenge will be maintaining that form for the next 14 games before Rennie picks his first Test squad.
The Brumbies are two from two for the first time since 2016 and have won 10 in a row at home despite major squad changes.
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Brumbies coach Dan McKellar is confident "honest reviews" will keep a lid on early-season excitement for individuals and the team.
"We won't be getting too far ahead of ourselves," McKellar said. "We'll be honest and make sure we get our preparation right, because that's important for this young team."
The Brumbies face an a forward pack dilemma this week after Scott Sio and Tom Cusack suffered head knocks in the Rebels win.
Both left the field in the first half and failed to return, casting doubt over whether they will be available to play the Otago Highlanders next weekend.
Cusack has a history with concussion, which could lead to the Brumbies taking a cautious approach with his return.
Jahrome Brown is also injured, but Lachlan McCaffrey is waiting for a shot, while Will Miller showed he's ready to step in to the No. 7.
Miller made a crucial second-half turnover at the Rebels, showing his value to coach Dan McKellar ahead of New Zealand derby.
The 27-year-old said his transition from NSW to the Brumbies had been seamless, declaring himself ready to start if needed.
"Hopefully Tommy is right and I can get in the team off my own merits, but whenever you get that tap on the shoulder you've got to be ready," Miller said.
"I've loved the community and club feel about the Brumbies culture. I've definitely enjoyed it a lot more. We've just got to keep being better every week."
Sio appeared to be in better health, but if he is unable to play the Brumbies will need to draft another front-rower on to the bench.
James Slipper can easily slot in at loosehead if Sio's unavailable with Tom Ross or Shambeckler Vui to join the bench.