Luke Reimer is part of a new generation of players that has redefined what those starting the game on the sidelines can mean to a game of Rugby.
The flanker will get his chance to work his magic after being thrust into the Wallabies 23 to face the Springboks at Suncorp Stadium.
Tickets for the 2024 Wallabies home Test season are available here.
From the outside looking in, those unaware of his excellence in the nation's capital may wonder how a guy with just nine Super Rugby starts can find themselves on the verge of a Wallabies debut.
However, the 24-year-old has made his name similar to legendary MLB closers Mariano Rivera, Kenley Jansen and Trevor Hoffman in how he comes on to either save or win a game late in the picture.
It's not that Reimer isn't good enough to start. In fact, he's 6-3 when he has pulled on the seven jersey for the Brumbies.
But the Warringah flanker has found his role at the Brumbies as the match-winning man they turn to when they need a key turnover late or to make a mountain of tackles to ensure victory.
Reimer averaged just over two turnovers (top of Super Rugby) and 18 tackles per 80 minutes in his 14 games for the club in 2024, showing his impact.
2023's quarter-final win over the Hurricanes proved Reimer can handle the big occasion.
Coming on with just over half an hour to go, Reimer burrowed over at the back of the rolling maul to reduce the margin to one.
The Brumbies hit the front but Ardie Savea looked certain to score only for a 'hand of god' like moment from Reimer halted the powerful All Blacks skipper from getting the ball over the line.
“(I got) left hand under, strong side," Reimer said after the game.
It reflects Reimer's attitude, the man who is always willing to put the team first after going down to Canberra in 2021 with the idea of just being an extra body to whack around and hold a tackle shield.
“I never thought I'd get here,” Reimer said about his debut in 2021
“I just put my head down and copped a beating…sometimes it’s my choice and sometimes I’m directed to do it but I love it, if it makes the boys better then I’m happy to put my body on the line for them.
"...I was that body in the tackle suit and a few bodies went down. I’m looking forward to it and I just need to prep for it and give every shot I can."
Reimer came into Wallabies camp with a similar mindset for the Georgia week as they dealt with injuries, returning for Warringah during his time and forcing four turnovers in a defeat to rivals Manly.
It makes it almost fitting he debuts against the Springboks given their love of their finishers/'Bomb Squad'
Captain Allan Alaalatoa has been with Reimer every step of the way since his move to Canberra and was thrilled he was getting his shot at the gold jersey.
Alaalatoa understands the value the flanker can and will need to add if they are to take down the world champion Springboks.
"It's so good for 'Reims', someone who has definitely earned the opportunity to wear the gold jersey," he told the media.
"He's had such big impact back home in Canberra with the Brumbies and we all know what he adds off the bench.
"He can turn a game around with his physicality through his work at the breakdown and it's no different for him tomorrow to focus on what's been working for him and trying his best."
