More than half the Brumbies starting XV against the Canterbury Crusaders last Saturday were born overseas with New Zealand (three players) leading the charge.

Kiwis Wharenui Hawera and Nic Mayhew made their Super Rugby and Brumbies debuts respectively, while Jordan Smiler rounded out the starting trio who crossed back over the ditch on Saturday.

With four more players on bench able to secure a second passport and several others in the extended playing squad, Smiler said the different nationalities only brought the group closer.

"We're a very tight-knit group to be honest and you know a lot of boys here have moved from afar so you don't have anyone else but each other," Smiler said.

"The guys with families obviously spend their time away from rugby with them, but the young guys all stick together."

Smiler confirmed co-captain Christian Lealiifano's brother runs a course each year to bring often-shy Polynesian players out of their skin.

"We have a large number of Polynesian guys in our side and typically Polynesians are known to be quite quiet and aren't always able to express themselves verbally in meetings. So we created a group and meet regularly just to keep that Polynesian connection," he said.

"Christian's brother runs a course each year just to be able to break them out of that mould and get them adding to the group because they're a crucial part to our team and of rugby union in general.

"The more we can get out of our polynesian brothers to speak up and contribute to the group the better off they'll be as an individuals and the better off the team will be."

Smiler stopped short of saying one country produces better rugby players than the other but suggested the New Zealand market is a tougher one to crack.

"All we do is play rugby in New Zealand, there's no competition for players, we only have one rugby league team, so every plays rugby," he said.

"Every kid grows up wanting to play rugby but it's so hard because there's limited spots, for guys who can come across and play for an Australian side it's a great opportunity because the depth isn't there."

Mayhew lives with African-born duo Kyle Godwin and Chris Alcock and said the Brumbies style of play triggered his move to the capital.

"I'm sort of a set piece orientated player and Brumbies suited me more than some of the other teams. I thought my game would be more appreciated here, it's just horses for courses really," Mayhew said.

SUPER RUGBY ROUND 2

ACT BRUMBIES v DURBAN SHARKS at Canberra Stadium, 7:45pm.