Double delight on Brumbies bench

Christian Lealiifano may be absent due to a hamstring strain but the Brumbies will still take great joy when two players come from the bench tomorrow night.

Tomas Cubelli is one of those two, as he will play his first Super Rugby minutes this year after rupturing his patella tendon in a preseason trial.

The Argentinian halfback played 30 minutes in the Brumbies' match in Singapore during the June break and passed that test with flying colours.

"He obviously played a game in Singapore for us, he came through that game nicely and he's back ready to play this weekend," Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said."He added some spark and some energy to the group - I think that's what we will be looking for.

"I think we saw it when he came off the bench in Singapore.

"He's obviously very experienced, he's played a number of Test matches and he will add great impact off the bench."

Cubelli, who is off contract at the end of this season, feared he may never play for the Brumbies again."I was worried I was going to lose the whole season but I have to thank all the medical staff at the Brumbies and the surgeon because I came back after four months," he said.

"It's been a long time - long injuries are pretty disappointing so I tried to do my best in those months to be ready and available for the team in the last games."

Cubelli won't be the only feel good story when he takes to the field, though, as Ben Alexander will become the most capped Brumby of all time when he enters the fray.

Alexander is one of Canberra's favourite sons and it is fitting that the man he will surpass, George Smith, will be on field tomorrow night, albeit in Queensland colours."It's a huge honour for me and my family," Alexander said.

"Both I and my family love the Brumbies and it has been a privilege to play one game for the Brumbies, let alone as many as I have.

"But we are well and truly focused we get ready for our finals campaign."