The Brumbies could be forced to leave three star players out for a crucial Super Rugby game because of a request from Rugby Australia.
David Pocock, Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa are a chance to miss Sunday’s home clash against the Sunwolves so they can rest and prepare for the Wallabies’ first Test against Ireland.
The request has come from RA and coach Michael Cheika, but the Brumbies are desperate for the trio to play and an agreement is yet to be reached.
The ACT team is targeting a crowd of 15,000 for the home match at GIO Stadium after drawing only 5283 fans for their last game on May 12 against Melbourne.
Being without three star players would be a major blow to those aspirations as they look to back up a famous win against the Bulls in South Africa.
The Brumbies will already be without Wallabies lock Rory Arnold and promising young hooker Folau Fainga’a for the match due to suspension.
The Rebels could have been involved in a similar showdown over star halfback Will Genia.
The 30-year-old has been sidelined for the past three weeks with a knee injury and Melbourne were hopeful that he would be available for their match against the Blues.
But AAP understands physios have ruled Genia out of the game in Auckland but he will take part in the three-Test series for the Wallabies.