Dave Rennie's 'clear message' for Brumbies' Test hopefuls

Rennie finished his Super Rugby franchise tour on Wednesday, using the ACT Brumbies and Queensland Reds as his final stops before the season begins.

Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa revealed Rennie's "clear message" to players was reputations mean nothing.

Some Brumbies feared they had fallen off former coach Michael Cheika's radar after they missed out on World Cup spots, despite the ACT side dominating the Australian conference last year.

But the likes of Pete Samu, Toni Pulu, Joe Powell and Tom Banks are firmly in Rennie's sights as he ushers in a new generation of Test players this year.

"I've always been a firm believer that you've got to earn the right to play. I've never been concerned about reputations," Rennie said.

"At the Chiefs and even at Glasgow, we've played guys ahead of seasoned internationals because they've earned it.

"Ultimately, even we can get guys to come out of Super Rugby highly conditioned and highly skilled, it will make our job easier."

Rennie spoke to Brumbies players and coaches on Tuesday and attended the club's season launch before flying to Brisbane to visit Brad Thorn and his men.

His trip has served as a perfectly timed reminder for players about a changing of the guard, including 37-Test prop Alaalatoa.

Alaalatoa was a vice captain when Cheika was in charge, but even he has to earn his spot and his mission starts with a tighthead showdown against Reds beast Taniela Tupou.

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"[Rennie] came and spoke to our team, it was good to have him down and to address the whole group," said incumbent Wallabies prop Alaalatoa.

"Everyone has that goal to represent the Wallabies and for the head coach to come down and speak to the boys, whether you're a rookie or an established player.

"It's an even playing field, it's pretty much starting again and [Wallabies] is pretty much going to be picked on Super Rugby form.

"It was a clear message ... you know that if you put in the work in Super Rugby, you're more than a chance to be picked for the Wallabies. That's great for boys who have been around for a while, it gives motivation to be better.

"And for young guys to see their dream, knowing if they're consistent they may have a chance."

The Brumbies lost plenty of experience in the off-season, but Alaalatoa is confident the new breed can rise to the challenge by starting the season on a high against the Reds.

Noah Lolesio replaces Christian Lealiifano, Tom Cusack fills David Pocock's No. 7 jersey, Solomone Kata will lock horns with Henry Speight and Murray Douglas and Darcy Swain fill the second-row shoes of Sam Carter and Rory Arnold.

SUPER RUGBY ROUND ONE

Friday: ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm.

Brumbies: 1. Scott Sio, 2. Folau Faingaa, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Darcy Swain, 5. Murray Douglas, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Tom Cusack, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Joe Powell, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Solomone Kata, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Tom Wright, 15. Tom Banks. Reserves: 16. Connal McInerney, 17. Harry Lloyd, 18. James Slipper, 19. Caderyn Neville, 20. Will Miller, 21. Ryan Lonergan, 22. Bayley Kuenzle, 23. Andy Muirhead.

Reds: 1. JP Smith, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3. Taniela Tupou, 4. Angus Blyth, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Angus Scott-Young, 7. Liam Wright (capt), 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Tate McDermott, 10. Isaac Lucas, 11. Henry Speight, 12. James O'Connor, 13. Jordan Petaia, 14. Jock Campbell, 15. Bryce Hegarty. Reserves: 16. Alex Mafi, 17. Dane Zander, 18. Feao Fotuaika, 19. Izack Rodda, 20. Seru Uru, 21. Moses Sorovi, 22. Hamish Stewart, 23. Hunter Paisami.