Brumbies back Christian Lealiifano says he has made massive improvements in his game during his stint with Waikato heading into New Zealand provincial rugby's final on Friday.

Lealiifano headed to Waikato after a knee injury limited his Super campaign with the Brumbies to just six games.

He began his time with Waikato at fullback and played most of the ITM Cup competition at inside centre before being moved to the bench for their last few games.

He will become one of the few Australian players in recent times to participate in a New Zealand national provincial final, though he will again come off the bench against Canterbury in Friday's season decider in Christchurch.

Lealiifano, who was engaged in a three-way tussle with Matt Toomua and Matt Giteau for the Brumbies' two inside back positions this year, has flourished in the hot house of New Zealand rugby.

"The purpose of coming over here was to add to some versatility to my game and to definitely experience other positions," Lealiifano told AAP.

"I feel personally it's done some massive gains and improvements on my game playing in different positions and learning different styles of rugby.

"I've absolutely loved every minute of being over here.

"I think it's been an awesome experience to develop my game and I think it's done wonders for my game.

"I think I've grown as a player and experience-wise and learning new styles and new things in a different environment has been a bonus for me."

He is tipped to possibly challenge for the fullback spot this coming season in addition to pressing for a place at five-eighth or inside centre.

Lealiifano had the enjoyable experience of being an Aussie in New Zealand this week, after the Wallabies finally ended their lengthy drought against the All Blacks.

"Everyone has been ripping into me and telling me that we (Australia) were a bit lucky," Lealiifano said.

Born in Auckland, the 23-year-old Brumbies back moved to Australia when he was seven years old.

One of his team-mates at Waikato is winger Henry Speight, who he predicts will have a big impact for the Brumbies this season.

"I think you will see exciting things from him (Speight), he's done some awesome things for Waikato since he's been here," Lealiifano said.

"I think he's going to be one of the up-and-coming stars over in Australia."

He said the final of the national provincial competition in New Zealand attracted "pretty massive" publicity, with people coming up to him in the street and wishing him good luck.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP