Tom Banks will trade the hectic streets of Japan for a chance to unleash any World Cup frustrations in Perth when he makes his rugby comeback on Saturday.
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Banks is back in the capital after spending the past month training with the Wallabies despite knowing he wasn't going to be included in the final World Cup squad.
The flying fullback was one of the unluckiest players to miss selection Australia's final squad and coach Michael Cheika kept him as part of an extended group after Jordan Petaia injured his hamstring.
It meant Banks was with the Wallabies until earlier this week when tournament rules meant he was no longer allowed to be a part of the team's camp.
The silver lining for the Canberra Vikings is Banks is set to play his first game of the National Rugby Championship in the clash against the Western Force in Perth.
The Vikings will name their team on Thursday, with Banks expected to come into selection contention despite limited preparation time with the team.
It's the perfect platform for Banks to make his return and fire a reminder to the Wallabies three years after the NRC launched his career and secured him a spot on the Brumbies' roster.
The Wallabies will want Banks to be playing as much as possible to ensure he is match fit if required as an injury replacement.
Coach Nick Scrivener has been juggling his back line combinations in the first three games of the season, with Banks needing to slot in with Andy Muirhead and Mack Hansen as the fullback options.
Scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan booted a winning penalty goal last week, but his 80 minute performance meant World Cup hopeful Joe Powell was on the bench for the entire game.
Lonergan and Powell are set to compete for the ACT Brumbies starting spot next year and goalkicking could be a crucial factor in Super Rugby coach Dan McKellar's decision making.
McKellar needs to find a new captain, a kicker and playmaker after the departure of Christian Lealiifano at the end of last season.
Lonergan, young playmakers Noah Lolesio and Bayley Kuenzle, as well as Irae Simone all loom as the kicking options for next season.
Lonergan, a former Australian under-20s captain, has played six games for the Brumbies since making his debut in 2017.
"I've always enjoyed kicking and I guess it is another string to the bow. Hopefully it pushes me to getting a bit more [Super Rugby] game time," Lonergan said.
"I hope it does push my case a little bit. It's awesome to have Joe back as well, we're great mates and he's someone good to learn off. It's a pleasure being around him."
The Vikings have won two of their three games so far this season, but the clash against the Force will have a major bearing on their title chances.
A win against the top-ranked side will put them in a perfect position to win the NRC for the first time, but a loss will take them back to the pack on the ladder log-jam.
"The Force have been together as a team for ages, we've been together for three weeks," Lonergan said.
"But if we can focus on what we need to do, we'll give ourselves a good shot against them over there.
"If you're three [wins] and one loss you're in a good spot for the finals, but if you're 2-2 you get a little bit worried. That makes it a big game in Perth this weekend."
NRC ROUND FOUR
Saturday: Western Force v Canberra Vikings at Perth, 5pm.
