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Lealiifano keen to lead Brumbies backline

3 minute read

The Brumbies are looking to five-eighth Christian Lealiifano to lead the backs in their Super Rugby clash against the Reds.

Brumbies five-eighth Christian Lealiifano says the Super Rugby clash against Queensland on Friday looms as a chance to push his case as a permanent No.10.

It's a role he's relished this season in the absence of the injured Matt Toomua, who was last week ruled out for the year with a torn cruciate ligament in his comeback game against the Sharks.

Toomua was Jake White's first-choice five-eighth, forcing the coach to revert to his understudy backline with Lealiifano at No.10 and Pat McCabe at inside centre against the defending champions Queensland, who are coming off three straight losses on the road.

But Lealiifano said his solid season needs to continue before he can claim the jersey as his own.

"If I'm at No.10 and Pat's at No.12, I'm very comfortable, so hopefully we can work on the combination and stick with it," he said.

"But I wouldn't say it's mine - I don't think they're ever guaranteed in any position.

"Hopefully I can do the job this week because I wouldn't mind staying."

Just six rounds in, Lealiifano has set himself up for a stand-out season and sits in joint fourth place for most linebreaks and joint third for most linebreak assists.

As Toomua's replacement in round three against the Cheetahs, his penalty goal after the siren secured a one-point victory in his first call-up at No.10.

Lealiifano, who is still in negotiations to extend his contract with the Brumbies next year, said his goal this season is consistency - a feat likely made easier by stability in his position.

Lealiifano played at fullback when the Brumbies last beat the Reds at Suncorp Stadium - a stinging defeat last season that ended a 12-match winning streak for Queensland at home.

He said he and his teammates were just as fired up in the lead-up to this clash - one that could help the Brumbies extend their five-point lead at the top of the Australian conference ladder.

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