The Brumbies can equal their best start to a season since their last title-winning year if they inflict more pain on the Waratahs on Sunday.

They have won four of five games so far this year, giving them the perfect platform to launch their season.

They have won five of the first six games just once since 2004. But every year they have managed the feat, they've either won the grand final or finished as runners up.'

The last time they did it was under Jake White's guidance in 2013. Before that it was the title winning runs of 2004 and 2001, and the grand final year of 2000.

So the wounded Waratahs will barely rate a mention in Canberra this week despite their struggles.

They're at the opposite end of the spectrum to the Brumbies, winning just one of five and languishing after another thumping last weekend.

It's hard to imagine Brumbies of the past like Joe Roff, Jeremy Paul or Owen Finegan biting their tongues in "Tah week".

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But the 2020 Brumbies have bigger prizes in mind, which is why they'll likely show restraint when it comes to cross-border pot shots. Instead, backs coach Peter Hewat says they'll be wary of a desperate NSW side.

"You can't really read too much into previous results or games," Hewat said.

"This week is going to be a tough battle for us. We know that and it's one the boys are looking forward to.

"What we know of these interstate battles is that they're really tight. Form is kicked out the window."

Individual duels will light up the Super Rugby contest, which is traditionally the biggest of the Brumbies' season in Canberra.

Tom Banks will go head to head with Kurtley Beale and NRL convert Solomone Kata could line up against young gun Mark Nawaqanitawase.

Banks will be playing his 50^th Super Rugby match, vowing to repay the Brumbies' faith after they offered an unknown Queenslander a contract four years ago.

"To show faith in me the way they did, it's probably something I can never repay but I'll be doing my best for the club," Banks said.

"Everything steps up in Tah week. We can't wait to get going, they're going to come out all guns blazing."

Banks was heartbroken after missing a spot in the Wallabies' World Cup squad last year, but that is fueling his mission to win back a gold jersey.

He has been the form fullback of Australian rugby this year and outpointing Beale can help him stake a claim for a Test recall under new coach Dave Rennie.

"He's really added to his game this year, his game is more complete and I'm really proud of him because of that," Hewat said. "It's going to be a good battle. We know Kurtley is an unstructured genius, but Banksy has a lot more nous now."

SUPER RUGBY ROUND SEVEN

Sunday: ACT Brumbies v NSW Waratahs at Canberra Stadium, 4.05pm.