Pushing through a rugby game can be tough at the best of times, but it is especially the case when one your teammates leaves the field with what appears to be a serious injury.
David Feliuai revealed that the Brumbies had to not just overcome a tough Force outfit, but try to work through the match without Noah Lolesio, who appeared in agony following a nasty hit in the 20th minute.
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While it has since been confirmed that Lolesio has been cleared of serious injury, Feliuai admitted at the time there was a lot of concern on the ground. However, with Lolesio returning with the squad from Perth, the mood has improved significantly.
"It was tough," Feliuai admitted to reporters in Canberra on Monday.
"We're glad that he came back with us. I was happy to see him when I came downstairs to get on the bus.
"We just prayed that nothing bad or serious would happen to him. Good news is that he came on the flight home and he's smiling, so happy days.
"It's never easy to see someone like that and just get back and focus on what was ahead of you. It's definitely when Noah or any player goes down like that, in a key position, and especially taking the time for him to move off the field.
"Whether you ever get injured, the next guy up has to put up their hand. It happened on the weekend, so we're very happy with it.
"Definitely gutted for Noah, but he'll be back in. He'll be stronger. He's a tough individual."
The ACT side weathered the challenge well in Perth, going on to record a 33-14 win, and for Feliuai, the dedication has been something that has pushed him to be better following his arrival from the Rebels last year.
"I'm doing really well," Feliuai admitted.
"Since I've come down to Canberra, I think it's been an awesome help mentally. It's just made me focus on this team and the boys around me and my job.
"That's always something that was a bit tough for me, coming through with all the international things floating around.
"It was hard to process it all. I think it's a good move coming down here."
The Brumbies' centre has turned his focus to the Reds this weekend - and the capital is set for a big weekend of rugby, with the Wallaroos also in town to play the USA as part of the Pacific Four Series.
With 13 members of the Brumbies squad starting their rugby in Queensland, Feliuai is expecting the men from the Sunshine State to turn up and give plenty of chat - especially following their earlier match this season, which saw the Brumbies prevail 39-26 in Brisbane.
That's even before they get to the finals equations, and trying to guarantee a potential top two finish.
"It's always a good battle with the Queensland Reds boys, especially with a lot of us coming from Queensland," Feliuai admitted.
"It's always a physical battle. The endurance is pretty hectic as well. To see them come and play against them, there's a lot of motivation there.
"We'll be working hard. Although we've only got two games, we'll still be trying to put our best games forward heading into the finals.
"There were some nice things said on that field that day, so we'll see how it goes. It should be a good game."
