Super Rugby newcomers the Sunwolves will arrive in Canberra this week to try and throw a spanner in the Brumbies' play-off hopes.

Wallabies spots will also go on the line as players get one last chance to impress coach Michael Cheika before he names the squad for a three-Test series against England.

Brumbies and Wallabies skipper Stephen Moore said there is ample motivation to make sure the ACT side continues its mid-year revival.

The Sunwolves – made up largely of Japan's World Cup squad - are still chasing their first victory away from home in their debut season.

Most expect them to struggle when they go up against a Brumbies side fighting to stay alive in the finals race.

But Moore said the way Japan shocked South Africa in the World Cup last year is a reminder of their ability to bite teams that don't give them respect.

"[Sunwolves] have shown in the last couple of weeks that they're a good side ... particularly at the breakdown, they compete really hard for the ball so that's going to be important," Moore said.

"And for us, in terms of where our season is, it's a very important game. We need to prepare well this week and we've spoken about that already.

"Everyone's going to be keen to play, we've just had a week off and this game is no different in terms of importance. There's a big period coming up with the Tests in June so it will be a big load."

The Brumbies will avoid any temptation to fast-track the return of Matt Toomua and Joseph Tomane as the pair continue to recover from knee operations.

Versatile back Robbie Coleman is fighting to overcome a hamstring problem that ruled him out of the Brumbies' last game while Moore said having a week off would ensure all players were ready to go this weekend.

Cheika will be watching the Brumbies' clash closely as he weighs up selection options for a mouth-watering series against England in June.

Moore will continue in his role as Australia's captain while Christian Lealiifano is poised for an international recall to fill the Wallabies' No.12 jersey. And Tevita Kuridrani is trying to fend off a challenge from Israel Folau for the outside centre position.

Lealiifano and Kuridrani are the only Brumbies to play every minute of every match so far this season, but it's unlikely they will be given a rest against the Sunwolves as the ACT team chases crucial points.

The NSW Waratahs hold a one-point lead in the Australian conference with the Brumbies just behind.

"This is a good test for us as a squad, we know how important these games are if we want to be involved in the pointy-end of the season," Moore said.

"It's a good measure of your desire as a team ... [beating the Rebels two weeks ago] was as physical a game as I've played in all year. The Sunwolves will be no different."

The Wallabies are set to go into camp on Sunday but Moore said the upcoming Test series had not been a distraction.

"It's impossible to just not talk about the Wallabies until the series starts ... particularly the senior players, we've been talking about what we want to do and how important it is," Moore said.

"But it gets to a point where you can handle it. I'm fine with it to discuss both [Tests] and the Brumbies. The series is starting to become very real. But we know how important the Sunwolves game is for us first."

SUPER RUGBY ROUND 14

Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Japan Sunwolves at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm. Tickets available from Ticketek. TV time: Live on Fox Sports 2