Canberra Stadium should be part of the 2027 World Cup and doesn't need to audition.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That's the thoughts of ACT Brumbies captain and Wallaby Scott Sio, who was speaking at the announcement of the Australia-Argentina Test to be played at Canberra Stadium on October 2.
The Canberra Times revealed the capital would host it's first Test since 2017, with Sio a part of the 45-20 victory over Argentina.
There's been suggestions the Test in October would be a chance for Canberra rugby union fans to show they deserved to be one of 10 venues for the World Cup by packing out Canberra Stadium - where there's currently no crowd restrictions.
While Sio would love to see a full house, he felt Canberra's credentials were above needing to audition.
The Brumbies and the Queensland Reds are head and shoulders above the rest of the Australian Super Rugby teams.
"I don't feel like we need to audition, I feel like Australia can utilise all the facilities we have," Sio said.
"Our country has a proud history of sport and we have many great stadiums to showcase that, and GIO is definitely one of those."
MORE BRUMBIES NEWS
It could be Canberra's only live sport for the rest of the football season after NRL club Canberra Raiders were forced to fly north to join a Queensland-based bubble on Wednesday.
Their home games against Cronulla and St George Illawarra will be played on the Gold Coast, and the Raiders' other two remaining home games could face a similar fate.
That was brought on by the Victorian government classifying Canberra as a red zone - like NSW - despite not having a coronavirus case in more than a year.
It would leave clear air for the Wallabies Test, for which tickets will go on sale next Friday.
The fact it's the final Test of the Rugby Championship could help ensure the game goes ahead in the ACT because the players don't need to play in any other states afterwards.
Brumbies chief executive Phil Thomson said Rugby Australia would work with the ACT health authorities to ensure it was played in Canberra.
"We're very cognisant of what is happening with COVID-19 and the plan is to run the match as scheduled," he said.
"But we'll be working with the ACT government, ACT health authorities to ensure the game is put on in a safe way for fans, players and staff."
Injured Wallabies scrumhalf Nic White (knee) was excited by the prospect of playing for his country on his home ground.
His Brumbies captain Sio already enjoyed that privilege back in 2017.
While he wouldn't put a date on when he'll be back from injury, it will be well before the October Test.
"It's a huge carrot there to get back in the squad, get a jersey, because if you can get in there there's a big game on October 2 down here in Canberra," White said.
"It's a place that's pretty special to me, gave me my opportunity straight out of school.
"I consider Canberra my home. I never really thought I'd play a Test match here. It's not something I thought.
"To put on a Brumbies jersey and play here was pretty special, and then to play for the Wallabies - there's not many Tests down here.
"It's very special and there'd be a lot of Brumbies guys in that squad that would certainly be circling that week and making sure they're going to leave no stone unturned."
WALLABIES TEST
October 2: Australia v France at Canberra Stadium, 8pm.