The Brumbies’ fortunes look to be turning around at the perfect time, with news that Wallabies trio Stephen Moore, Pat McCabe and Ben Alexander might be right for their opening Super Rugby clash against the Western Force.
Just a week ago, the Brumbies were contemplating having to start the season minus any one of their three capped players after Moore and Alexander were felled in the opening minutes of their trial against Queensland with shoulder and elbow concerns.
McCabe, meanwhile, was forecasting a return several weeks into the season, back from a shoulder injury suffered in last year’s World Cup.
But a week out from the Friday match against the Force, the Brumbies’ injury clouds appear to have lifted.
Coach Jake White confirmed Moore and Alexander are expected to play, while a decision will be made on McCabe later next week.
He returned to full contact training just this Thursday, but has impressed enough to put his hand up for selection.
“McCabe’s nearly there. It’s just a choice as to whether he’s mentally up for it,” White said.
“If he feels good enough and feels like he can’t let himself down – I know what type of guy he is and I have to be very sensitive because he will want to play even if he’s not ready.”
White said McCabe’s return could leave him with a pleasing headache in the backline, with Robbie Coleman also doing good things at fullback in the Brumbies’ final 66-0 trial victory over an ACT XV in Canberra on Thursday.
Winger Henry Speight is also due to get the call-up against the Force, allowing the Brumbies to start with a near full-strength outfit.
But new skipper Ben Mowen, who captained for the first time in the ACT trial, warned fans against expecting too much from their season-opener.
“We’re not going to hit our straps in the first round – we just aren’t,” he said.
“We are going to be pushing and developing the whole year so, at the pointy end of the season, we’re there.”
The Brumbies season kicks off on February 24 at Canberra Stadium.