Brumbies coach Dan McKellar wants to get the balance between club and country right following his player tussle with Wallabies boss Michael Cheika.

The first-year boss made a stand for rugby in ACT by rejecting Cheika’s request to rest David Pocock, Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa for the Super Rugby game against the Sunwolves.

McKellar admitted it had been a difficult week, but he was glad the trio got through the game unscathed as the Wallabies gear up to play Ireland in Brisbane on June 9.

“We want the Wallabies doing well so it hasn’t been a great week there and hopefully Michael (Cheika), ‘Bernie’ (assistant coach Stephen Larkham) and the boys get them in one piece and have a really good week of preparation,” McKellar said.

“I think what’s important this week is that our members, stakeholders know, whilst we care about the Wallabies and want them to do well, we want to make sure we present the best version of the Brumbies at every possible opportunity.”

The crowd of 9521 at GIO Stadium roared as Pocock and Sio were taken to the bench in the 55th minute with victory against the Japanese team all but secured.

Alaalatoa followed only minutes later and the trio will fly north to join the Wallabies camp on Monday.

They will be joined on the flight by fellow Brumbies Tom Banks, Joe Powell and Tevita Kuridrani, while Rory Arnold and young hooker Folau Fainga’a are also in the Wallabies squad but missed the match against the Sunwolves through suspension.

It was Banks who again caught the eye after bolting into Cheika’s team.

After scoring a sensational running try in South Africa against the Bulls, the Sunwolves were on the end of some more individual brilliance from Banks.

While not quite as flashy as his effort in Pretoria, the fullback is getting reward for effort.

“He’s (Banks) choc full of confidence at the moment and so he should be because he’s performed really well,” McKellar said.

“He’s worked hard on his game, scored another good try tonight so he’s got a bright future.”