It wasn't quite a "David who?" moment, but new ACT Brumbies flanker Chris Alcock showed there's life after superstar David Pocock to stake his claim for the No. 7 jersey this year.
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The problem is Alcock admits he faces a massive challenge just to hold on to his spot in the team as coach Stephen Larkham weighs up a long-list of back-row options.
Alcock teamed up with Scott Fardy to launch a breakdown assault but it wasn't enough to lift the Brumbies to a win against the Canterbury Crusaders last weekend.
Alcock made a game-high 16 tackles and forced three breakdown turnovers in an impressive debut which doubled as the first match since Pocock started a 12-month sabbatical from Australian rugby.
The Brumbies could welcome back Jarrad Butler as early as the team's game against the Durban Sharks at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night.
Larkham also has back-rowers Tom Cusack, Ben Hyne and Rob Valetini waiting for their chance to impress in Super Rugby.
"I definitely felt like I slotted in really well defensively. There were a few errors in attack, but there's always something to work on for the next game," Alcock said.
"We've got some quality back-rowers at the Brumbies so every time that you're on the field you have to play well because you know there are guys missing out."
Butler missed a large chunk of the pre-season as he battled a lower-leg injury but edging closer to a return, but Wallabies prop Scott Sio is still troubled a hamstring injury and unlikely to play the Sharks.
The Brumbies blooded six new faces in the loss to the Crusaders, including Alcock who has signed a one-year deal while Pocock is unavailable.
The Super Rugby journeyman's defensive effort typified the Brumbies' defiance as the Crusaders threw wave after wave at their line.
The Crusaders dominated possession (58 per cent) and spent almost 40 minutes camped inside the Brumbies' half but only managed to win by three points.
The Brumbies forced more turnovers and made more breaks but they just didn't have enough ball to make an impact on the scoreboard.
"It was a tough pill to swallow, but the good thing is we've seen what we can do and what our potential is now," said No. 8 Lolo Fakaosilea.
"We need keep growing. Everything off the field is going well, we just need to put it together and stick together.
"Everyone here wants to get a starting spot but if not, all you can do is come off the bench and have an impact."
SUPER RUGBY ROUND TWO
Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Durban Sharks at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm. Tickets from Ticketek.
