All eyes will be on ACT Brumbies star Tom Banks as the battle to replace the sacked Israel Folau as Australia's starting fullback draws to a close in the final weeks of Super Rugby.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The World Cup hopeful will line up against experienced fullback Kurtley Beale when the Brumbies take on the NSW Waratahs at Western Sydney Stadium on Saturday night.
His superhuman speed, kicking game and ability to find the try-line has put him on the cusp of becoming Australia's first-pick for the No.15 jersey. But Beale's 82 international caps can't be ignored.
If former Wallaby Owen Finegan had his way, he'd shift positions around and pick both.
"Kurtley Beale will definitely be at the World Cup because he has massive experience and he's in form. He brings confidence into the team," Finegan said.
"But Tom Banks is an out-and-out fullback and possibly an outside back with some genuine speed up the line which is exciting. You need blokes like that with the ball in their hand.
"The Wallabies will have to split their resources and players when they have tight games beside each other. They'll be swapping personnel, so I think Banks can play his way into the squad but then he'll have to prove himself.
"What Kurtley Beale brings in experience opposed to someone who can light up and bring something special. They both have an x-factor about them, which is what you want from a fullback."
The Brumbies clash against the Waratahs will be one of the last chances to impress selectors ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
The Australian derby is dispersed with head-to-head encounters of Wallabies hopefuls vying for the final spots up for grabs.
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar says his men will focus on the immediate job at hand and getting their preparation right to perform well both as a team and individuals.
MORE BRUMBIES NEWS
"Our players will be the first to say that's probably in the selectors' mind for high honours at the Wallabies," McKellar said.
"If the Brumbies play well as a team and perform against the Waratahs then individual performances flow off the back of that.
"It certainly will put some thoughts and decisions into the minds of the national selectors and Michael Cheika. I'd be very happy for all of our players to achieve their reward."
The Brumbies' 23-point win over the Sunwolves has extended their lead on the Australian conference ladder and all but booked their home quarterfinal.
It's understood the Waratahs need to rest captain Michael Hooper, Bernard Foley, Sekope Kepu, Rob Simmons and Beale from one of the two final fixtures of the regular season as per the Wallabies resting agreement. But NSW coach Daryl Gibson is expected to name all five Wallabies stars for the derby in a bid to keep their finals dream alive.
The Waratahs are not only desperately chasing a win but also bonus points to have a serious shot at the finals.
"The Waratahs are none-from-two at Bankwest Stadium. It hasn't been a happy hunting ground so there's a lot of things going in the Brumbies' favour," Finegan said.
"The Brumbies have shown they can grind a win down, score plenty of tries and play some exciting football. If they get a win this week they can almost guarantee themselves a home final and take control of their destiny.
"They'll have to expect a real tough battle against the Waratahs who are fighting to keep their season alive."
SUPER RUGBY ROUND 17
Saturday: Waratahs v Brumbies at Western Sydney Stadium 7.45pm. TV: Live on Fox Sports.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
