Brumbies hooker Folau Fainga'a is putting his name up in lights to secure the Wallabies No.2 jersey at this year's World Cup.
The 23-year-old has started the Super Rugby season in a blaze of glory, highlighted by a two-try display in the Brumbies' victory over the NSW Waratahs on Friday night.
By notching a double at GIO Stadium, Fainga'a became the first Brumby since Andrew Walker in 2004 to score a try in five consecutive games.
His outstanding work in the Brumbies' trademark rolling maul has made him the stand-out Australian hooker so far this year.
Fainga'a is doing his best work with incumbent Wallabies hooker Tolu Latu serving a six-game suspension after being booked playing for the Waratahs last month.
Fainga'a has six Wallabies caps to his name, but should nail down a starting position if he continues in this vein of form.
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar was determined to keep Fainga'a grounded during his post-match assessment.
"I wouldn't say he's been playing out of his skin, but I thought he was good tonight," McKellar said.
"His set pieces have been good. But he's had a big 12 months.
"He's gone from playing with Sydney Uni and working full-time to all of a sudden becoming a Wallaby.
"He's got that physicality and if he gets the stars in his eyes, he doesn't care who he's playing against he treats everyone the same."
The news out of the Brumbies' second win of the season wasn't as good for flanker Rob Valetini.
On the same day it was announced he had signed a two-year contract extension with the Brumbies, promising back-rower Valetini went down with a knee injury.
McKellar was unsure how serious the 20-year-old's injury was but Valetini looked to be in severe pain and was wearing a knee brace after the game.
Star prop Scott Sio came off holding his elbow but McKellar said removing him from the game was more a precautionary move.
