Brumbies lock Darcy Swain believes there are still plenty of improvements in the side as they begin preparations for 'Tah Week.'

The Brumbies find themselves on top of the ladder after victories over the Western Force and Fijian Drua.

Despite this, the ACT-based club have admitted they have been below their best, particularly at set-piece time, which has been their main strength in previous years.

Swain, who has become the leader at lineout time, admits a tough and honest chat has set the standards heading forward.

“We took a positive step forward in our line out and scrum (but) we were inconsistent I think and that goes through to our maul,” he told reporters.

"We had a pretty honest conversation that we weren't happy with it so we just need to keep moving forward, whatever we do we just need to get better.

"We can't make the same mistake twice, otherwise we're wasting our time and not getting better. We've just got to acknowledge that's where we were, and moving forward we've got to be better.”

The Brumbies are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their rivals from the North, looking to replicate their 61-10 drubbing in the corresponding fixture last year.

They are well aware this is a transformed 'Tahs team from 12 months ago, falling to them in a trial in Bowral at the start of the season.

Swain and the Brumbies acknowledge the rivalry between the two sides will ramp up, however, ensured the focus will remain on their own game.

“We’re not trying to get too excited about it now. I think the older boys know what (the Waratahs rivalry) means,” he added.

“When I first came here we had a big spiel on it. Traditionally we've always seen them as the enemy from up the Hume, so we've got to acknowledge it but at the same time we've got to get our stuff right and towards the end of the week we'll start building into it and getting emotive.

“They look really good. They beat us in the trial and we don’t want to say anything too much, we want to keep on the down-low and worry about ourselves. We’ll make sure we have good set-piece and make sure we’re good around the field and we play to our strengths.

“All respects to them, but we’re not focused about what they are saying or what they are going to bring. We’re aware of it, but we are going to focus on ourselves.”