The Brumbies might be at the top of the Super Rugby AU table but prop Scott Sio is looking to test himself against the form front rower of the competition, Queensland's Taniela Tupou, on Saturday.
Sio will likely go head-to-head with Reds tighthead Taniela Tupou, who has been enjoying some of his best rugby in the domestic competition.
The coronavirus shutdown proved a timely opportunity for Tupou to improve his fitness, making him a greater threat across the park.
Sio said he felt Tupou would be among Queensland's biggest weapons when they come to Canberra on Saturday.
"He's playing some great rugby, he's putting tries on the board and he's been very destructive at scrum time there," he said.
"I know it's going to take all of us there in that eight to really nullify them but he's got a good support crew around there, as his eight as well who are working hard behind him to get him over the line.
"We know that it's going to be an all-forward battle up front, it's not down to individuals taking the rein but we do understand there are those little individual battles we're going to need to win...
"It's where you really test yourself and see where you're at, individually as a loosehead.
"You want to test yourself against the best no matter what competition you're playing and at the moment for us going up against Taniela is as good as it gets.
"I always look forward to playing against him, you've got to be on every scrum against him and he's a bit of a specimen, he's fast, he's athletic, he's big and he's strong so that means mentally we've got to be ready every time we go up against him."
The Brumbies have won all three of their Super Rugby AU matches so far and probably had their most comprehensive win in a 24-0 shutout of the Force last weekend.
Things haven't been perfect for the ACT side, though, with their set piece somewhat inconsistent.
The Brumbies scrum in particular has had ups and downs in Super Rugby AU but Reds captain Liam Wright said on Tuesday the visitors wouldn't fall into the trap of underestimating their opponents.
Sio said he felt they were progressing in that area after the first month of the competition.
"I think we took a step in the right direction last week, still some little things we need to keep improving on, show the refs the right pictures and make sure we're doing all the right things to make sure we give ourselves the best shot at scrum time there," he said.
"We know what the little fixes are and we'll work on them this week."
Sio said the primary consideration for the Brumbies was ensuring they notched wins however they could, underscored with a desire to keep improving.
"The teams that are there at the end just win," he said.
"The Crusaders have been at the top for a long time because they win continuously and they never lose twice if ever.
"That's the standard we're looking to get to and really build to there as well to give ourselves the best shot at the back end of the year, we've got to keep winning.
"Our next job is the Reds this weekend back at home, look forward to playing in front of our fans here in Canberra and I hope they enjoy the cold weather down here when they get here."
The Reds take on the Brumbies on Saturday August 1 at GIO Stadium, Canberra, kicking off at 7:15pm AEST, LIVE on Foxtel, Foxtel Now and Kayo Sports. Buy tickets here. Buy a Kayo subscription here.
