Five key match-ups in the Brumbies v Waratahs World Cup audition

The NSW Waratahs host the Brumbies in a blockbuster Super Rugby match that will double as an audition for Wallabies spots at the World Cup on Saturday.

There are five key match ups in the penultimate round clash that could go a long way to deciding who starts for Australia in Japan later this year.

Tighthead props Sekope Kepu (Waratahs) and Allan Alaalatoa kick things off in the front row, while second-rowers locks Rory Arnold (Brumbies) and Rob Simmons will lock horns behind them.

Arguably the most interesting battle is at No.10, with inspirational Brumbies skipper Christian Lealiifano facing under fire Waratahs playmaker Bernard Foley.

That contest will have a big influence on the next, with red-hot Brumbies outside centre Tevita Kuridrani looking to run through veteran Adam Ashley-Cooper.

Finally, it’s the battle of the fullbacks looking to fill the void of exiled star Israel Folau. The showdown features the immensely talented Kurtley Beale against Brumbies young gun Tom Banks.

The 10 players have 588 Test caps between them but half will be relegated to the bench or even drop outside the game day 23.

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said he was looking forward to the head-to-head battles and believes Lealiifano is the form five-eighth in Super Rugby.

“I don’t think (Wallabies coach) Michael Cheika will be picking his Wallabies 10 off the back of Saturday night but all of these games certainly play a role,” McKellar said.

“It will be as close to Test match footy as you can get at Super Rugby level, so you just get a gauge of how players handle that environment.

“Christian has played in more of these games than most and he’ll be very relaxed and calm and will know he’s just got to do his job well.

“Christian has been the form 10 of the competition, consistently .. I don’t think he’ll be thinking a whole lot about Bernard.”

McKellar also backed his fullback.

“Banksy and Beale isn’t a bad one, he’s playing well Tommy, he gets a lot of raps when he’s scoring tries, but for me, the strength of his game this year is his ability to clean up kicks in the back field,” McKellar said.

“His defensive work is a real area he’s improved as well and we all know he can attack.

“I think Kurtley (Beale) is more dangerous at 15 (than 10 or 12), it allows him to sit in behind the play and chime in and spot opportunities when they present.”

The Brumbies are leading the Australian conference after winning six of their past seven games, and can all but secure a home quarterfinal by ending NSW’s season at Bankwest Stadium.

“There’s a lot on the line for us and them, and (for) individuals, so she’ll be on,” McKellar said.

– AAP