Scrumhalf Issak Fines has emerged as a left-field option to fill the void left by a Wallabies winger as the ACT Brumbies launch into the final week of their Super Rugby AU preparation.
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Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has a gap to fill on the right wing with a knee injury set to keep Tom Wright sidelined for a chunk of the domestic campaign.
Fines got a taste of life on the wing during the club's lone pre-season game against the Western Force and now he could find himself there against the same opposition in round one come Friday night in Perth.
The 25-year-old got a taste of life at the top level at scrumhalf last season, but he sits behind Wallaby Nic White and Ryan Lonergan in the pecking order for the No. 9 jersey.
He stands at 173 centimetres tall and tips the scales at 82 kilograms but Fines boasts blistering pace which could make him a genuine strike weapon.
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"He's a halfback who can cover wing and we're genuinely having a look at him there," McKellar said.
"He chases kicks, he's just full of energy. That's probably what we were lacking in the first 60 minutes. He's quick.
"I looked at that bloke from the Springboks, [Cheslin] Kolbe, and Finesy is actually bigger than him. He has a similar sort of skill set, very fast, good feet, and chases everything.
"As I said, he's a halfback first and foremost. But can he do a job for us on the wing? I think that's a possibility."
Mack Hansen started on the right wing in the pre-season clash, while Solomona Kata could come back into the reckoning should he overcome a niggling injury problem.
Reece Tapine also put in an impressive shift in his first game in Brumbies colours at wing and centre.
McKellar admits he is far from sold on a 23-man squad for the season opener at Perth Oval with Irae Simone hoping to be fit to play following a calf injury.
Caden Helmers
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
