ACT enforcer Owen Finegan is in line to lead the Brumbies in next Saturday's Super 12 final after an injury to Stirling Mortlock during their semi-final win over the Chiefs at Canberra Stadium.

Mortlock limped from the field in just the 11th minute with a knee injury and with captaincy thrust upon him, Finegan produced his best game of the season.

While the Brumbies were talking down Mortlock's injury after the game, the man they call "Melon" would relish the chance of holding the Super 12 trophy aloft next week.

"It would be great, because I would really love that challenge," Finegan said following the 32-17 victory.

"At the same time, I really wouldn't want to be captain because Stirling deserves to be up there."

Finegan turned the added responsibility into a nightmare for the Chiefs, terrorising their defence with a series of his trademark charges.

His runs through the middle of the Chiefs' rucks, particularly during the first half, laid the platform for the Brumbies to lead 20-3 at halftime and 25-3 just a few minutes after the halftime break.

While Finegan believes his physical improvement from a six-week shoulder injury can explain him hitting his straps against the Chiefs, Brumbies coach David Nucifora says it is much simpler to understand his stand-in skipper's form.

"Owen really is a big game player," Nucifora said.

"He thrives on games like tonight and he'll be the same next week against the Crusaders.

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