Taliauli's selection to replace suspended flyer Henry Speight for the Brumbies' Super Rugby semi-final against the Wellington Hurricanes at the Cake Tin on Saturday might have raised a few eyebrows from outside the province, but not within.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said Taliauli had impressed on his six previous appearances this season – five off the bench and one start – and he'd developed a good defensive relationship with the rest of the back line.

Larkham hinted if it wasn't for a groin injury, Taliauli would have played more this season.

The 22-year-old spent a couple of seasons with NRL club Gold Coast Titans, before he joined the Australian sevens program. From there he found his way to the Brumbies for his first Super Rugby season.

At 193 centimetres and 101 kilograms, Taliauli is a big unit – plus he's quick, the fastest in the Brumbies squad.

It seems his frame was what gave him the nod over Robbie Coleman, James Dargaville and Nigel Ah Wong – all of whom Larkham said could have done the job.

Larkham had no qualms about picking Taliauli for such a big game, despite only having the six caps to his name.

"He is carrying a good size, he's tall and he's a very big man. His attacking skills are very good, the ability to beat a man and then defensively he's got a very good connection with the boys at the moment," Larkham said of Taliauli. "He knows what to do, reads the game really well and is happy to throw his body on the line.

"He's not phased by any of that kind of stuff [reputation]. He's got confidence in himself and the boys have confidence in him and I think that's all you need going into these games."

Taliauli's physique also makes him perfect to take on Savea, who is the same height, but seven kilograms heavier than the Brumbies No.14.

While Larkham said Savea was the complete package, he felt Taliauli and the team would be able to handle him.

"[Savea is] big, he's fast, he's strong and he's very skilful. He's got everything. He's one of those gifted wingers that seems to have everything, but we're confident that our boys know what they're coming up against," he said.

As a rugby league man through and through, former Titans coach John Cartwright didn't know anything about Savea or what Taliauli will be up against. But he said Taliauli had all the makings of an NRL footballer until the sevens program came calling with a good offer.

Cartwright said the Brumbies youngster impressed at an open trial and was close to making his debut before injury struck.

The former Titans mentor was impressed with his attitude and was confident he wouldn't shirk the issue on Saturday.

"He was a big kid and like a lot of the Islander boys he liked the contact. He had a bit of work to do as far as getting a handle on structures, but he had all the attributes to get there," Cartwright said. "He had no fear, he was very aggressive and enjoyed the contact so he had plenty to work with.

"That won't worry him, he's certainly not worried about contact and reputation. He's a pretty quiet sort of kid, but the physical side of the game certainly didn't worry him."

Larkham said everyone got through the captain's run unscathed and there were no late changes to face the Hurricanes.

SUPER RUGBY SEMI-FINAL

Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Wellington Hurricanes at the Cake Tin, 5.35pm.

TV Time: Live on Fox Sports 2.