The ACT Brumbies will throw all of their firepower into their only trial match next year, coach Dan McKellar confident his new side has already taken major steps forward for future success.
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The Brumbies finished their first pre-season block of training on Friday in Canberra's scorching heat and smoke haze, with Wallabies players returning for the final week to fast-track 2020 plans.
The players will return to the capital on January 6, giving them just 25 days to prepare for their season-opener against the Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium.
The Brumbies have one day scheduled for practice matches, but the full squad is expected to be used across two games against the Melbourne Rebels on January 23.
There is no Wallabies resting protocols for next year and the Wallabies' returning to training in December means they will be free to play alongside their teammates in the trial.
McKellar said the standard of training went up when four Wallabies returned last week, Allan Alaalatoa, Scott Sio, James Slipper and Tevita Kuridrani leading the way as they played catch up.
"Just through their experience and energy ... they were keen to get back with the group and were excited to be back," McKellar said.
"You could tell with training there was a whole heap of experience coming back in and I think all of the other boys lift just because of their presence.
"They had targets after coming off a long break. They had some Rugby Australia testing and we modified a few things for them.
"It was important we didn't overload them quickly and then break them, but it was important to have them here in that last week before Christmas."
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McKellar is formulating a plan to cover the loss of some of his biggest names after David Pocock and Christian Lealiifano were among the players to leave at the end of the season.
The silver lining to their exit was easing salary cap pressure and enabling the Brumbies to record a profit, as well as giving young players a chance to step up.
McKellar is yet to settle on a captain for next year. The contenders are likely to be Allan Alaalatoa, Tom Cusack, Joe Powell and Lachlan McCaffrey, while Reesjan Pasitoa, Noah Lolesio and Bayley Kuenzle are competing for the No. 10 spot.
Alaalatoa added: "Coming into that locker room and not seeing the familiar faces you're used to, it's a huge change but it's an exciting feeling.
"That fresh, young talent coming through it's going to be an exciting year. Some boys are getting opportunities to step up Super Rugby and there's other boys who are getting opportunities to step up to leadership roles."
Teenage playmaker Pasitoa added: "I'm loving every minute. It's challenging at times, and it's definitely a step up from schoolboy footy, but I'm enjoying it."
McKellar drove the players hard because of the shortened pre-season, but said they were unaffected by the dangerous smoke haze in the capital.
"Everyone came back in pretty good shape, which was pleasing," McKellar said.
"No one was dragging the chain, the new boys integrated nicely. We demanded effort and motivation, that's what we got."
Chris Dutton
Chris Dutton has been a sport journalist since 2008, covering rugby union, rugby league, basketball, cricket and soccer. He has covered World Cups and Olympic Games in print and online. Chris has had a stint as news director, but is back in sport to follow the ups and downs. Email: chris.dutton@canberratimes.com.au
Chris Dutton has been a sport journalist since 2008, covering rugby union, rugby league, basketball, cricket and soccer. He has covered World Cups and Olympic Games in print and online. Chris has had a stint as news director, but is back in sport to follow the ups and downs. Email: chris.dutton@canberratimes.com.au
