Brumbies fullback Jesse Mogg would love to play for the Wallabies at this year's Rugby World Cup, but reckons he may have left his run too late.
Friday's win over the Highlanders was Mogg's first Super Rugby match of the season after overcoming two shoulder injuries and an ear infection.
The 25-year-old admitted his time on the sidelines had been mentally "draining".
"But once I got out there and got my hands on the ball early, I felt really confident," he said on Monday.
"I think I set a really good platform for myself."
Despite being a little sore after a knock to his shoulder, Mogg said he was ready for Friday's much-hyped Australian conference showdown with the Waratahs at Canberra Stadium.
The added pressure of playing in front of national coach Michael Cheika doesn't have him worried, however, even though he still harbours the ambition to play for the Wallabies.
"I think I've probably left my run a little bit too late," said Mogg, whose three caps came in 2013.
"But that's not where my mind is at the moment.
"My mind is just trying to string some solid performances together for the Brumbies and I think Friday was a good start.
"Against a side like the `Tahs, I'm going to have to lift my game and try do a couple of things better.
"I guess for myself, after how last year went, (there) was a lot of pressure to get back to where I was at the start of 2013.
"I enjoyed myself Friday and that's where my mind will be this Friday, just getting out there, getting involved and just playing some football."
Mogg expected the rivalry between the two very physical sides to heat up in the nation's capital as they battle for top spot on the domestic ladder.
"I think the physicality of the game is going to bring out the rivalry," he said.
"I guess where the `Tahs finished last year and where we want to get to also brings us closer together.
"The rivalry is definitely growing, but to a new level? I'm not too sure."
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