Brumbies flanker David Pocock is expected to return to the fold against the Hurricanes and fullback Tom Banks says his comeback will be pivotal to helping fuel their attack.
Pocock suffered a concussion in the first five minutes of the Brumbies’ round one clash with the Rebels and missed last weekend’s match against the Chiefs.
The superstar flanker is expected to be fit for Friday night’s game in Wellington and Banks said the turnover machine would be a valuable addition.
“He's a world-class player,” he said.
“The thing he brings is the turnovers he can bring it just helps us as a backline to attack unstructured defences.
“That's what we try and do and he's the best at getting turnovers.”
The Brumbies are chasing their first win across the ditch since 2014 but they will take plenty of confidence to the Kiwi capital after a dominant 54-17 win over the Chiefs last weekend.
Banks was quick to stress that the side wasn’t getting caught up in that trans-Tasman victory.
“Knowing you can put in a performance like that, now the hard thing is to back it up. That’s what we’re trying to do this week, just not be complacent and really go again this week,” he said.
The Brumbies’ round two outing was a step up from a narrow loss to the Rebels in round one and halfback Joe Powell said there were fine margins between the two games.
“There’s not too much difference between the way we played against the Rebels and the way we played against the Chiefs, it was just we completed the opportunities we had,” he said.
“There’s a fine line between good game and one you weren’t happy with. Going forward, it’s just (a mentality of) don’t push it it will come.
The Hurricanes are set to welcome back Beauden Barrett for the clash, along with flanker Ardie Savea but Jordie Barrett is expected to be rested.
The Brumbies take on the Hurricanes in Wellington on Friday night, kicking off at 5:35pm AEDT, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
