Noah Lolesio ready to break free of Christian Lealiifano's shadow

The 20-year-old showed composure well beyond his years, refusing to be rattled by mistakes and holding his nerve to boot the Brumbies to a round-one win on Friday.

He celebrated with family in the change rooms, emerging wearing an Ula Lole of chocolates made by sister Ivana to mark his first-game milestone.

He stood in front of a wall of Brumbies' legends and declared he was ready to start a new era, thanking predecessor Christian Lealiifano for his guidance.

"No offence to Christian, he's been an awesome ambassador for this club but I just want to focus on me and be the best person that I can be," he said.

"Christian is a massive loss and it's massive shoes to fill but I just want to do me.

"He's been in contact since the trial game and just been giving me advice, he's been really good to me.

"He keeps me updated on WhatsApp, he wished me the best [before the game], just said to stay calm and do my thing."

MORE BRUMBIES

Lolesio's parents Robert and Sarah, sister Ivana and brother Ethan made a surprise visit to Canberra for the Brumbies' 27-24 win against the Reds, presenting his first-game jersey and showering him in chocolates.

"In Samoan culture, this is a sign of celebration. If someone graduates uni or school, or for example, a debut game, I get given these to put around my neck.

"It's always chocolate. I'm sure my family will dig into this after. It means the world that the Brums surprised me by shipping them over earlier than expected. They rocked up before captain's run and I had no idea."

On the field, Lolesio had a mixed start to his career. He made a couple of early mistakes, but redeemed himself with some sublime playmaker vision, a crucial turnover and kicking what turned out to be the winning penalty.

The Brumbies say one of his strengths is being able to move on from mistakes quickly, a quality coach Dan McKellar says separates him from young flyhalves who go into their shells.

"Nothing rattles him or worries him," McKellar said. "He'll continue to learn, grow and get better and better.

"He's got the ability to park things quickly, which is a good trait to have. You're going to make mistakes, all players do. The greats have made plenty, it's how you respond and react."

The Brumbies were far from a polished product against the Reds, despite starting the game with intent and precision.

They conceded 17 unanswered points in the first half and trailed at the break, but regrouped to get their season off to a winning start.

The next challenge will be against the Melbourne Rebels, who were shock losers on Saturday when they were beaten by the Japan Sunwolves.

The new-look Brumbies will be desperate to score back to back wins to start the year, winger Tom Wright saying a second-half fightback against the Reds has built confidence.

Wright made a strong start on the wing, redeeming himself for a first-half error to score the match-turning try after half-time.

"We had our backs against the wall for a period there, but managed to compose ourselves," Wright said.

"We've identified needing to start second halves well ... there was nothing extravagant.

"I pride myself on finishing, that's part of the criteria of being a good winger. I was a bit dirty I let the team down early, but when the opportunity presented itself again [I took it]."

The Brumbies escaped the Reds battle without any injuries, despite starting the game in 39.5 degree heat. "It was tough, but we didn't even think about the heat," Wright said.

SUPER RUGBY ROUND TWO

Friday: ACT Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm.