New Brumbies leaders told to pick up the reins

Alaalatoa is facing six weeks or more on the sideline after breaking his arm, leaving Powell and an army of leadership deputies to pick up the slack in the meantime.

Powell, Lachlan McCaffrey and Tom Cusack are vice-captains this year, while Scott Sio and Tom Banks are part of an extended leadership group.

Alaalatoa had played almost every minute of the Brumbies' first give games before being struck down by injury, which thrust Powell into the spotlight before Cusack replaced him in the second half.

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar says he will delay a decision about who will step up given he has time while Super Rugby bosses formulate plans for the competition's future.

"I think we've got five of us who can fill the [captain's] position if needed," Powell said.

"Cusack, Banksy and McCaffrey all have a lot of experience, so whoever steps in will be able to handle it and will be well supported."

The Brumbies have been left stranded by the coronavirus delay, which has halted their momentum after the equal best start to a season since 2004.

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It is hoped Super Rugby will finalise a competition rejig in the coming days, which is likely to change the format to have inter-conference derbies for the rest of the year to reduce travel risks.

It means the Brumbies would play Australian teams, and potentially the Japan Sunwolves or Western Force, while New Zealand and South Africa would have their own mini competitions.

Powell hopes the Brumbies will get a chance to play again this year to capitalise on their fast start.

The Brumbies are unbeaten against Australian opponents so far this year, thrashing the NSW Waratahs 47-14 at Canberra Stadium last weekend.

"We've had a few things thrown at us this year already but we're still finding our groove. I guess it is disappointing to come to a halt," Powell said.

"We could be playing in two weeks or whenever it is, we've got to be ready to go back into the form we've got at the moment.

"There's a really good feel this year and we're playing some pretty fun footy, so it's been enjoyable and hopefully, if all things go well, we get a chance to play again this year. I think we really do have a chance [to win it all] this year."