Brumbies dominate Super team of the year as new Wallabies coach awaits

Eight Brumbies were picked in a players' choice Super Rugby team of the year, recognition for their late-season charge to the semi-finals and an on-field revival in Canberra.

Super Rugby form wasn't enough for Pete Samu or Tom Banks to secure a spot in the World Cup squad, but their peers judged them the best players in their position this year.

James Slipper, Folau Faingaa, Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Samu, Christian Lealiifano, Tevita Kuridrani and Banks were picked in the team of the year.

The Brumbies' representation was the biggest of the four franchises and six of the players picked were in the World Cup side.

But there was a perception some Brumbies had fallen out of favour with former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, who had to make tough selection decisions for his last tournament in charge.

Rennie's arrival is an opportunity for a selection refresh. A clean slate for the likes of Samu, Banks and Joe Powell, who struggled to get international game time in recent years.

Rennie started putting his brainstrust together on Thursday, appointing Scott Wisemantel as his new attack coach and confirming the retention of Dean Benton as the head of athletic performance.

Some of the Brumbies' Test contingent will arrive in Canberra on Friday for a team Christmas party before starting their pre-season training on Monday.

The Wallabies will make an early-than-usual return to training after their early exit from the World Cup and to ensure they don't get left behind ahead of the earliest start to a season in Super Rugby history.

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The good news for the Brumbies is several of their stars have already made long-term commitments to Canberra, including front-row trio Alaalatoa, Faingaa and Scott Sio.

Faingaa signed a contract extension two weeks ago to ensure the three will have a chance to build a long-term partnership, while James Slipper is yet to decide on his future beyond next year.

"To have Folau commit for the next few years is huge for us, we can build some chemistry for three years if all goes well," Alaalatoa said.

"To have that is a huge for the Brumbies and the Wallabies to build. There are some quality players coming through the ranks as well and we've got James Slipper as well.

"In terms of depth in the front row ... I'm hoping the younger guys stay on because the strength of the whole squad pushes the others to improve and we want to build a strong front-row foundation."

Alaalatoa won the RUPA medal for excellence this week, adding another accolade to an outstanding year which also included his first Brett Robinson award and a World Cup debut.

Most of the Wallabies haven't spoken to, or met, Rennie, who was appointed after Cheika quit when Australia was knocked out in the World Cup quarter-finals.

"I'm really keen [to work with Rennie] if I get that opportunity to be coached by him," Alaalatoa said.

"I've seen the work he's done with the Chiefs and the way he turned them around. I think it's exciting for the Wallabies and Australian rugby.

"It's a fresh start and a new brand of rugby he will bring in, if I get that chance I'll be keen as. I can't wait."

The Brumbies will play a trial match against the Melbourne Rebels on January 23 before their season-opener against Queensland.

RUPA TEAM OF THE YEAR

1. James Slipper, 2. Folau Faingaa, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Izack Rodda, 5. Rory Arnold, 6. Pete Samu, 7. David Pocock, 8. Isi Naisarani, 9. Jake Gordon, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Samu Kerevi, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Jock Campbell, 15. Tom Banks.