Brumbies Alcock solely focussed on job at hand

With David Pocock's year-long sabbatical, the former Force and Waratahs flank Alcock's services will be crucial as Brumbies host the Reds on Saturday.

The 29-year-old admits that is big boots to fill but is eager to prove himself.

"I just focus on what I need to do, and what the coaches tell me to do. I try not to think about who wore the jersey before me.  

"Whenever I wear the jersey I want to wear it with pride and show that I deserve to wear it," Alcock said.

This Saturday’s fixtures could be a perfect opportunity for the openside flank to validate himself against the Reds number sevens George Smith, who have been impressive for his side.

"George [Smith] just adapt to whatever role they need him to play,  he is a good ball runner and good defensively,  he just adapts to every situation.

"When you watch [George Smith's] games, you can see he really gets involve and he does change the game.

"It is not often that the sevens go head to head, but we both try to do the same thing at the breakdown and both got our roles to play for our sides.

“I'm just gonna do my best and whatever happens happens," he added.

While Alcock is determined not to get sidetracked at the breakdown, Brumbies centre Andrew Smith believes that the Reds' attack possesses a bigger threat for the derby.

"The Reds is a very talented team, very skilful…they tend to play a real attacking sort of game at the moment, which makes them very dangerous.

"Every Reds' result have been close, and from one to 15 they have a lot of good attacking players," Smith said.

"It is a really big game for us this weekend," he added.