Flying fullback Tom Banks says freedom to attack has helped break the shackles this year as he attempts to launch himself into the Wallabies after World Cup disappointment.
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Banks has relished his new role in the ACT Brumbies' back line, helping the defending Australian champions start the season with three wins from four games.
Banks' form has mirrored the team's fast start, scoring three tries and firing a message to new Wallabies coach Dave Rennie.
Rennie has told Test hopefuls he will pick players on form rather than reputations, which has given Banks an extra boost of confidence after he was left out of Australia's World Cup squad.
The Brumbies have given Banks the right to roam this year and choose when to inject himself and the team is reaping the rewards.
"[The coaches] have been really good, they've allowed me to pop up where I want to and inject myself in the back line," Banks said.
"They've given me the confidence to attack the way I want.
"It's pretty early in the season. The key for me is trying to play consistent footy and to do that I have to keep getting better for the Brumbies.
"The biggest thing for me this year was to try to get involved more. The coaches have been really good with that, finding ways to be more effective.
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"It's a number of things. Coming closer to the ball, or over-calling our game plan. They've opened that area up."
The Brumbies lead the Australian conference after the first month of games and have smashed hoodoos in the process.
They ended a four-match losing streak against the Melbourne Rebels, won in New Zealand for the first time since 2014 and beat the Waikato Chiefs in Hamilton for the first time since 2007.
The 12-point win against the previously unbeaten Chiefs was the result that made people take notice of the new breed of Brumbies.
The surprise has been being able to get off to a fast start despite the departure of the likes of David Pocock, Christian Lealiifano, Henry Speight, Rory Arnold and Sam Carter.
"It definitely does [feel like we can do something special]. The buzz and confidence around the team is probably something I haven't felt before," Banks said.
"The amount of confidence we have in the way we want to play and the coaching staff is really good to be a part of."
Brumbies players will be given the rest of the week to step away from rugby duties before returning to Canberra for a fan day on Sunday and then starting preparations to play the unpredictable Japan Sunwolves on March 8.
The clash against the Sunwolves in Osaka will be the start of a six-game stretch, which can make or break the Brumbies' finals hopes.
All players have recovered from the mumps after a chaotic two weeks of illness and injury forced several changes to the game-day squad.