David Pocock has returned from his Australian rugby sabbatical a better leader, according to Brumbies coach Dan McKellar.
The Wallabies flanker hasn't missed a beat since coming back to Super Rugby this season from time away, which included a playing stint in Japan.
He had a delayed start to the season due to knee injury and missed the first four games, but Pocock's influence has put the Brumbies back in finals contention.
The 30-year-old was outstanding in his team's upset 24-12 victory against the Hurricanes on Saturday night.
It was the Brumbies' first victory over a New Zealand team since the opening round of 2016.
"(Pocock's) leadership along with Christian's is enormous for the group," McKellar said in the post-match press conference.
"That's (leadership) is probably the biggest change in Poey that I've seen since he's come back from Japan.
"He's always been a world-class player, but he's really developed into an excellent leader.
"It makes (Brumbies captain Christian Lealiifano's) job easier as well."
While Pocock's Brumbies have left their run late, they are still a chance of featuring in the finals for the sixth straight year.
It would've been season over had they lost against the Wellington franchise, but they could sneak into the top-eight with wins against the Chiefs and NSW Waratahs to round out the regular season.
The Brumbies have leaped up the overall ladder and are only a game behind second-placed Melbourne in the Australian conference.
Despite the memorable victory, McKellar was quick to shift attention to the Brumbies trip across the Tasman next Saturday.
"This is our mini block of finals and we've won the first one and we've got two to go," McKellar said.
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