ACT Brumbies recruit Chris Alcock is planning a hit-and-run mission in Canberra to replace David Pocock and use his time in the capital to bang down doors for a new contract.
Journeyman Alcock hopes to make the Brumbies' No. 7 jersey his own in the 2017 Super Rugby season when he attempts to fill the void left by one of the world's best players.
Alcock, 28, has spent plenty of time playing a back up role in Super Rugby, taking on the understudy role behind former Wallaby Phil Waugh at NSW and Matt Hodgson at the Western Force.
However, the South African-born back-rower has a golden opportunity to break into the Brumbies' starting XV next season while Pocock takes a sabbatical from Australian rugby.Â
Alcock has a one-year contract with the Brumbies and is unsure where he will play beyond that. But he says he doesn't feel the pressure of stepping into Pocock's shoes.
"If the opportunity arises I'd definitely look at staying here but my understanding at this stage is I'm filling in for one year for Pocock," Alcock said.
"All doors [are] open [in 2018]. It puts more of emphasis to start on your best foot because you have nothing to fall back on, so you've just got to put it all out there and hopefully be playing for a contract.
"It is very much a fresh start for me, I've been put into an environment where I'm not really familiar with the coaches or the players, so I'm here trying to prove myself."
Alcock has played seven Super Rugby seasons and adds valuable breakdown experience to the Brumbies, but versatile big man Tom Staniforth is at the other end of the spectrum.
Staniforth is trying to earn more game time after waiting two years between his first and second Super Rugby games.
The 22-year-old is part of an emerging group of Canberra talent making their mark at the Brumbies, with Staniforth crediting former development coach Andy Clark for the rise of a new generation.
Canberra juniors Staniforth, Tom Cusack, Joe Powell, Jordan Jackson-Hope, Faalelei Sione, Les Leuluailii-Makin, Ryan Lonergan Faingaa twins Anthony and Saia and Robbie Abel have all come through the pathway system.
"In terms of player development Andy Clark is a huge reason behind why so many locals are in the squad now because he was the academy coach when we all came through," Staniforth said.
"I've just got to push myself as hard as I can to get a regular spot, we're all friends off the field but it's very competitive on the field because we all want to play."
As for slugging it out in the heat for hours on end, the construction management student said there is no place he'd rather be.
"I've worked my whole life to play for the Brumbies so my goal next season is to play as much as I can just enjoy being a Brumby," he said.
"It's the best job in the world and whenever I get tired I just remember I could be laying bricks."