The Brumbies are out to continue their unbeaten start, hopeful of getting fullback Tom Banks back before the end of the season.
Banks suffered a suspected facial fracture during their one-point win over the Western Force, avoiding suspension for the tackle that saw him sent off.
The Wallabies fullback could be back as early as Round 11 according to Sydney Morning Herald, with the club confident he will feature again for the Brumbies in 2022.
“He was obviously very sore, it’s a very painful injury,” assistant coach Rob Seib said on Banks.
“There’s a bit of a recovery time now into surgery so hopefully we’ll have back on the park before too long. He’s disappointed but understanding there’s still a long part of the season, he’s hopeful of being back at the end of the season, hopefully, if we can get through to the finals.”
The ACT-based club has the perfect opportunity to cement their spot on the top of the ladder against the second-place Queensland Reds.
After a number of key players were rested for the Force victory, the club were confident they could build off their strong start as they make the trip north, playing their next two games at Suncorp Stadium.
“It’s really positive. The strength of the Brumbies is the depth in the squad so to give guys an opportunity is great,” Seib said.
“To come away with the win, albeit in a close one, the fact is we’re still undefeated so the spirits are high.
“Everything’s always easier when you are winning,” prop Scott Sio added.
“At the end of the day, it puts a target on your back so consistency becomes key for us. We can’t rest on our laurels, we need to keep moving forward.”
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Sio and the Brumbies are preparing for a tough battle with the Super Rugby AU champions, knowing they will find another level in front of their home crowd.
“It’s always a fierce battle. You don’t have to look too far than the last two weeks, the games go down to the wire as 80-minute thrillers so I’m expecting this week to be no different,” Sio said.
“It’s always (a) tough travel to Perth. They are a different beast playing in front of their passionate fans but it was good to see a number of guys step up to the plate and test our depth and give some guys some much-needed rest.”
