Australian coach Michael Cheika was on hand as one of the special guests at the Brumbies in the Bush dinner on Friday night.

He was impressed by how much support the sport was able to garner in the city. 

“Over my years as a player and a coach I’ve intermittently come out through the country areas, which is a real heartland for rugby,” Cheika said. “People love it here and not just the people who play it but the people who support it.

“They are passionate about the game and they are also passionate from an Australian point of view about supporting the Wallabies when they play as they are part of the land.”

Cheika thought having the clash between ACT Brumbies and NSW Waratahs way a great start but thinks more can be done to promote the sport.

“I think this is always going to be a great opportunity for us to come out here and spend a bit of time as we have two Super Rugby teams and a stack of people involved and interested in the game,” he said.

“It’s a good promotion for rugby in the area and the more we can do the better.”

After transforming the Wallabies into a World Cup winning threat, before falling at the last hurdle in last year’s decider, Cheika is looking to build depth in his squad.

“We want to try and grow the base of players who can make a serious contribution to the team,” he said.

“Through Super Rugby if we can get another 10 players who can wear the gold jersey this year and really make a difference it is going to help us grow the standard of the team as a whole.”

While Cheika won’t be on hand to watch the Super Rugby trial, with a commitment at the Sydney sevens event, plenty of Australian talent will be on display.

One of his current Wallabies, Matt Toomua, has been chosen to lead the Brumbies onto the field.

With new co-captains Stephen Moore and Christian Lealiifano rested by coach Stephen Larkham, the honour was bestowed to him on Friday.

It’s the first time the 26-year-old has been given the task of leading the team.

He described it going to be a special match.

“It’s a bit of added expectation and responsibility on me but in saying that I think all the guys are really looking forward to getting out there,” Toomua said.

“We really want to play some footy and we know the Tahs love to play so I think we will put on a good spectacle.”

After being part of last year’s trial Toomua can’t wait for another experience on Equex Centre.

“It was one of my favourite games playing here last year,” he said. “It was a great style of footy with a great crowd.”