Dan McKellar's selection headache has far bigger ramifications than ACT Brumbies spots with Wallaby honours on the line.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Super Rugby AU club are on the edge of securing a home final leading into Friday's round-nine clash with the Western Force at Canberra Stadium.
McKellar is poised to reshuffle his pack after making 16 changes to his match-day squad last week, with Test trio Tevita Kuridrani, Folau Fainga'a and Joe Powell rested from their 38-11 win over the NSW Waratahs.
Should he opt to keep Nic White, Ryan Lonergan and Connal McInerney in the match-day squad - Powell and Fainga'a will have less opportunities to stake their claim for Australian selection.
The Wallabies squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship is expected to be announced following the competition's final on September 19.
McKellar's rotation policy has given more players an opportunity to showcase their talent, with 14 Brumbies among Rennie's 44 player of national interest squad.
One of those is Test prop James Slipper, who says McKellar's selection headache is a healthy one to have leading into finals.
MORE BRUMBIES NEWS
"That's a headache a coach always wants to have. We've got a reasonably fit squad and two more games before hopefully finals," Slipper said.
"There's still a lot of rugby and with players not being able to play club rugby, it's important to get them some taste of rugby throughout the competition.
"I think that was a bit of a plan but going forward I have no idea, I just hope I'm in the team.
"There was a lot of talk about the changes [last week] but as a player in this squad, we back everyone.
"It doesn't matter if you're a young player or an old player, if you're in the squad we'll back you 100 per cent if you're given a jersey for that weekend. It's kind of the 'next bloke up to do the job', that's our motto."
The round-nine clash looms as another opportunity for players to take a step towards international honours, with Wallabies coach Dave Rennie declaring form comes before reputation.
Back-rower Pete Samu scored a brace in his man of the match performance against the Waratahs last week.
He's down as a flanker and No.8 option in Rennie's list of national interest, but says his first focus is finals footy.
"I think everyone is just focused on getting the job done here first before Wallabies honours. Whatever happens, happens," Samu said.
SUPER RUGBY AU ROUND NINE
Friday: ACT Brumbies v Western Force at Canberra Stadium, 7.05pm.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
