NRC: Will Miller eyes Brumbies starting spot on Canberra Vikings debut

Miller didn't hesitate to leave the rat-race of Sydney and return to his regional roots when he signed a two-year contract with the Brumbies earlier this month.

The 26-year-old is yearning for a consistent Super Rugby start having been stuck behind Wallabies captain Michael Hooper at the NSW Waratahs this year.

The openside flanker has his sights set on filling the void left by departing Brumby David Pocock but jostles with the likes of Tom Cusack for the starting position.

Cusack had the No.7 duties for most of this season after Pocock injured his calf, with Miller to add extra competition for selection next year.

Miller has his first chance to stake his claim on the No.7 jumper when he debuts in the Canberra Vikings' opening NRC clash with Melbourne Rising on Saturday.

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"It's a chance to get an early start and prove myself," Miller said.

"It's also is good to meet other players and get combinations before actually playing with them at the Brumbies. It'll be a big help rather than just getting thrown into it.

"Hopefully we can build on some good results and performances so we can take some confidence into the pre-season next year."

Miller has 34 Super Rugby caps to his name across three seasons with the Waratahs and Melbourne Rebels, but started just two games this year.

The former NSW flanker will link up with regular Brumbies Pete Samu and Rob Valentini for the NRC clash, while Blake Enever partners captain Darcy Swain in the second row.

The back-line strings will be pulled by the halfback pairing of Ryan Lonergan and Noah Lolesio, who is looking to become the Brumbies' future flyhalf.

Scrivener led just a handful of training sessions to whip his side into shape but Miller has already left a lasting impression.

"He's going to thrive in this competition," Scrivener said.

"He's an on-baller, he's quite abrasive, he's very quick and mobile. The flow of NRC and the way it's played will suit his strengths.

"Teams that traditionally have mobile packs - particularly mobile back rowers that link up well - do well in this competition. Miller fits that build and will be playing against similar players to him who are very quick and good on-ballers.

"We've got to balance that out but luckily we've got Pete Samu and Rob Valentini this weekend. We've hopefully got a good balance in the back row."

The Vikings are yet to win an NRC title but have come agonisingly close in recent years.

Canberra crashed out of the semi-finals with a frustrating loss to Fijian Drua last season and reached the grand final in 2017

Scrivener believes the squad is talented enough to claim their maiden title, but says they'll have to increase their physicality.

"I just want them to be physical," Scrivener said.

"We were undone physically last year and were too worried about playing.

"There's enough talent in the squad if we get enough ball. We can score points but we need to be really physical.

"That's the area we generally fall down with players who haven't played for a month or more. That's what we've been addressing and training hard on."

NRC

Round one: Saturday, August 31 - Melbourne Rising v Canberra Vikings at Box Hill Rugby Club, Melbourne, 1.30pm.

Vikings team list: 1. Fred Kaihea, 2. Connal McInerney, 3. Jake Simeon, 4. Darcy Swain (C), 5. Blake Enever, 6. Pete Samu, 7. Will Miller, 8. Rob Valentini, 9. Ryan Lonergan, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Mack Hansen, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Tom Wright, 14. Toni Pulu, 15. Andy Muirhead

Reserves: 16. Lachlan Lonergan, 17.Bo Abra, 18. Nick Dobson, 19. Nick Frost, 20. Angus Allen, 21. Seamus Smith, 22. Bayley Kuenzle, 23. Andrew Robinson