Pocock is Brumbies' one positive

The Brumbies lost the game and, by their own admission, were well of their best. Yet, they found reason to celebrate.

It is because David Pocock's chances of playing at this year's World Cup rose dramatically after the former Wallaby captain safely negotiated his first match since a knee reconstruction.

Pocock scored a try for the Brumbies in the 2-31 pre-season loss to the Western Force in Perth at on Friday.

He played 60 minutes at openside flank, scored a try and set up another.

Pocock had just established himself as Wallabies captain in 2013 when he suffered a knee injury which ended his season and led to reconstructive surgery. He returned in 2014, but suffered a similar injury which again required surgery.

Pocock admitted it has been a long time between drinks.

"I spent plenty of hours on this field," he said of the match at the McGillivray Oval in Perth.

"It was good to make my comeback here.

"It has been a long 11 months so to come back to where it all started for me with Super Rugby and play a game here was great," Pocock added.

"I was really excited to be back out there. Personally it's been a long time out and it's always good to get that first one out of the way.

"You don't expect to be back to your best in your first hit out. I was just happy to get through it and be back out there playing with the team."

Pocock might have been happy to get through the game, but wasn't happy with the result and is looking forward to an improved showing from the Brumbies next weekend against the Highlanders in Wagga before the season opener against the Queensland Reds.

"There's plenty in there to work on. We will go back to Canberra and work hard to get ready for the Highlanders and then we have a 14-day lead in to the Reds," Pocock said.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said there were things his side would need to work on before facing the Highlanders in Wagga next Saturday.

"We're disappointed with the result but there are a lot of positives to take away from this match," Larkham said.

"We've got six days to re-group and refocus before facing the Highlanders in Wagga. They gave us a massive shake last year and I'd expect nothing less in 2015."

@BrumbiesRugby