ACT Brumbies forward Sam Carter was a surprise starter for the NSW Country Eagles, with the lock expected to link up with the Wallabies for next weekend's exhibition match against the US in Chicago. Carter was playing just his second match after three months on the sideline after knee surgery.

Brumbies teammate Ben Alexander made a second-half cameo in his return to rugby after missing out on Wallabies selection for the World Cup.

Alexander said he was focused on a strong Vikings campaign, determined to move on from the frustration of missing the Rugby Championship and World Cup.

"It's my job to play footy – you get sick of training after a while and while it's pretty disappointing to miss out, that's done and dusted now," Alexander said. "I just need to focus on a really good NRC and try and make some really good gains for a big 2016 and come back bigger and better."

Both sides wasted good attacking opportunities early but it was the Eagles who scored first after 20 minutes, No. 8 Mark Baldwin barging his way over to give NSW Country an 8-0 lead.

But the Vikings hit back instantly, with Super Rugby rookie of the year Rory Arnold showing his class to put winger Lausii Taliauli over in the corner. Vikings fullback Isaac Thompson converted to tie the game at 8-8.

The Vikings extended their lead five minutes from half-time when Jarrad Butler did his best David Pocock impersonation, crossing over on the back of his side's rolling maul to make it 16-8.

The rolling maul worked well for the Brumbies during the Super Rugby season, and Alexander said it was a game plan the Vikings would look to use during the NRC.

"There's a few variations, but the essence and basics are still pretty similar to what we do at the Brumbies," he said

"It's a game plan we are familiar with and worked quite well. We still have to make a few changes – what works for the Brumbies might not work for the Vikings but there's definitely a few similarities in how we are going about it this season."

The Vikings extended their lead in the second half through tries to Thompson and Nigel Ah Wong before the Eagles made it 29-13 after a strong run from Andrew Kellaway.

Vikings substitute Rowan Perry scored in time-on to close out the game.

Alexander was pleased to get a bonus point against last year's semi-finalists, but said there was work to be done.

"We have spoken internally about how poor last campaign was – we're off to a good start but there's a lot of footy to be played. We know there's a lot of work to do," he said.

CANBERRA VIKINGS 37 (L Taliauli, J Butler, I Thompson, N Ah Wong, R Perry tries; Thompson 4 cons) bt NSW COUNTRY EAGLES 13 (M Baldwin, A Kellaway tries; Lance 1 conv)  at Woollahra Oval, Sydney.