Wests Lions coach Adam Butt and Allan Alaalatoa back ACT Brumbies rookie Luke Reimer

The ACT Brumbies had got their hands on Luke Reimer, the Australian schoolboys flanker who had won the bronze boot as best afield against New Zealand.

For some time Butt thought he'd be coaching against Reimer after he was allocated to Easts in the John I Dent Cup.

Then the landscape changed for the 20-year-old rookie in line for a Super Rugby AU debut in a qualifying final against the Western Force at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.

"We had a couple of chats out at HQ as we crossed paths. He was always polite and nice, always asking how people are," Butt said.

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"When Easts folded, he got allocated to Wests and then he started hanging around in a training environment. His energy and passion, and how he fits in, is what you want from a team member.

"He has been fantastic, he buys right into the atmosphere and he lifts players to play better. We're a much better team when he is on the park. Missing him this weekend is tough for us but we couldn't be more proud.

"He's aggressive and passionate, and that's exactly what you need in a semi-final. If he gets out there, he will give it a red hot crack."

The chance to help the Brumbies to the Super Rugby AU grand final will keep him out of Wests' John I Dent Cup clash with the Canberra Royals at Phillip Oval on Saturday afternoon.

It's a hit for a team battered by injuries, however Butt is excited to see Reimer get his chance after he was backed to shine by Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa.

A debut would make Reimer Brumby No. 235, with the club calling on a host of debutants so far this season. So far "all have stepped up to the occasion", and Alaalatoa has no reason to doubt the next man in line.

"He gets turnovers all the time, he is someone who is getting suited up at nearly every training session to give us a body to bash," Alaalatoa said.

"He's been going really well in the John I Dent Cup so I think he is going to add some great impact. Hopefully he gets a couple of turnovers, if not, hopefully he gets a meat pie.

"He is definitely someone who is just going to come in and rip in, and just apply a lot of physicality to our game.

"A lot of our debutants this year have all put their hand up and have all stepped up to the occasion. What balances that out is our experience.

"A lot of our experienced players get around to the young players to make sure they're comfortable, and just remind them it's a game of rugby.

"There's a reason why everyone is getting an opportunity to play, it's because they deserve it. All they've got to do is go out there and back their ability."

Meanwhile, Queanbeyan host Gungahlin and Tuggeranong face Uni-Norths.

JOHN I DENT CUP ROUND THREE

Saturday, May 1: Canberra Royals v Wests Lions at Phillip Oval, 3.05pm; Queanbeyan Whites v Gungahlin Eagles at Campese Field, 3.05pm; Tuggeranong Vikings v Uni-Norths Owls at Viking Park, 3.05pm.

ACT WOMEN'S PREMIER XVs ROUND THREE

Saturday: Tuggeranong Vikings v Uni-Norths Owls at Viking Park, 1.40pm; Queanbeyan Whites v Goulburn at Campese Field, 4.45pm.

SUPER RUGBY AU QUALIFYING FINAL

Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Western Force at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm. Tickets from Ticketek. Broadcast: Live on Gem and Stan Sport.

ACT Brumbies squad: 1. James Slipper, 2. Folau Fainga'a, 3. Allan Alaalatoa (c), 4. Darcy Swain, 5. Cadeyrn Neville, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Rory Scott, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Nic White, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Tom Wright, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Len Ikitau, 14. Andy Muirhead, 15. Tom Banks. Replacements: 16. Lachlan Lonergan, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Tom Ross, 19. Nick Frost, 20. Luke Reimer, 21. Ryan Lonergan, 22. Reesjan Pasitoa, 23. Mack Hansen.

Western Force squad: 1. Tom Robertson, 2. Feleti Kaitu'u, 3. Santiago Medrano, 4. Jeremy Thrush, 5. Sitaleki Timani, 6. Fergus Lee-Warner, 7. Kane Koteka, 8. Brynard Stander, 9. Tomas Cubelli, 10. Domingo Miotto, 11. Jorda Olowofela, 12. Kyle Godwin (c), 13. Richard Kahui, 14. Toni Pulu, 15. Jake Strachan. Replacements: 16. Andrew Ready, 17. Angus Wagner, 18. Greg Holmes, 19. Ryan McCauley, 20. Tim Anstee, 21. Ian Prior, 22. Henry Taefu, 23. Jack McGregor.

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