The ACT Brumbies are refusing to let themselves daydream about a potential top-two finish as they keep focused on Saturday's clash with the Western Force.
The Brumbies sit third on the ladder, just three points from top spot Blues and second-placed Hurricanes.
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Both Kiwi sides face top-six opposition whilst the Brumbies face a hungry Force side in Perth that could be fighting for their finals hopes.
However, the Brumbies are aware of how dangerous the Force are at home, going down 34-19 last May.
“All the boys are aware of it but we can’t really focus on it because we can only control how we play," winger Corey Toole said to reporters on their ladder position.
“We just need to win this weekend and then the rest will take care of itself."
Toole returned from an ankle injury during last week's win over the Melbourne Rebels in Canberra.
The 24-year-old feels refreshed as they push to improve on last year's semi-final appearance.
“It’s a lot more funner playing than watching the boys from the sidelines. The ankle is feeling really strong and the body is feeling good," Toole said.
“It wasn’t great being out and doing rehab but it freshened my body and mind up so I’m fully fit ready for finals.”
The Brumbies will travel to Perth without legendary prop James Slipper as he deals with a calf complaint.
Slipper will be racing the clock to be fit for the quarter-finals, however, this comes as fellow Wallaby Blake Schoupp prepares to make his return.
Schoupp suffered a shoulder injury late in the win over the Hurricanes last month.
“He’s been into his rehab so it’s really good to have him out there. He has so much energy, particularly around the scrum," fellow front-rower Billy Pollard said.
“It’s really good having guys like that who will lock it down or try and get a penalty out of it.
"...There’s a bit of experience but there are really good young players coming through and they’ve shown what they can do for us in the past so confident they can do a job for us.”
