Queensland Reds captain Liam Wright and Brumbies counterpart Allan Alaalatoa will return from injury and suspension in Saturday’s top-of-the table Super Rugby AU clash in Brisbane.
Wright has missed his side’s unbeaten six-game run after hurting his ankle in their only preseason clash, while Alaalatoa has served a three-game suspension.
The Reds can seal a home final with victory at Suncorp Stadium, having beaten the Brumbies in a 40-38 epic in Canberra when they last met.
Bryce Hegarty has also retained his spot at fullback in his 100th Super Rugby game, keeping Wallabies winger Filipo Daugunu on a stacked bench still missing injured speedster Suliasi Vunivalu.
“He’s been working hard on his rehab with our physio and strength and conditioning team for the past two months to ensure he’s strong and fit to return,” Reds coach Brad Thorn said of Wright.
“His leadership amongst the group has only grown and we’re looking forward to having him back out there.”
Alaalatoa’s return allows fellow Wallabies front-rower and former Reds captain James Slipper to return to the other side of the scrum with Folau Fainga’a named at hooker.
Brumbies veteran Scott Sio returns on the bench after recovering from an elbow injury.
“Allan and Scotty are world class props, it’s a good time to get them back, they’ve both trained really well for a couple of weeks,” Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said.
“Allan’s certainly keen to get back out there and lead the side through his actions, that’s what he’s all about.”
The Rebels host Western Force on Friday, with Dave Wessels promoting Australian sevens star Lewis Holland off the bench to start for the first time in the No.12.
Fullback Tom Pincus has been moved to the bench, with Reece Hodge shifted from inside centre to fullback.
Kyle Goodwin will captain the Force in his return from injury, while Argentinian international Santiago Medrano replaces the injured Greg Holmes at tighthead prop.
It means the Force will field four Argentinians in the starting side for the first time, with Tomás Lezana, Tomás Cubelli and Domingo Miotto at No.8, 9 and 10 respectively.
Bingo
Roar Rookie
Brumbies have a couple of standout weaknesses for the Reds to exploit. Going to the game so will be watching the battle of the back rows, particularly the 7s. Cusack has been a warrior but he’s never in the discussion for best open side in the country. I still think Swain is not quite up to this level so Reds will test him. The rest of the head to heads look pretty competitive (I won’t say even because Tupou is a class above any other prop since McKenzie and Daly).
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
Glad to see Hodge at 15. I still that’s his best position. So looking forward to Reds vs Brumbies. That game should be awesome
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Yep Ritchie, they have missed him. Slipper did an amazing job filling in at THP with an inexperienced bloke at LH. With Scotty back, those 3 will impact the game.
gatesy
Roar Guru
I usually barrack with my heart and bet with my head, but the Brumbies were at $3.85 last night, so couldn't resist. I don't think that there is that much between them, and both sides have a full strength pack and great reserve benches. Let's hope they have something up their sleeve! The outsider might just get up!
Richie
Roar Rookie
Nice pun Bobby. They’ve missed him haven’t they! I expect white to have a big say now he doesn’t have to worry about being captain.
Jockstrap
Guest
Now the brumbies have a front row should win easily
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Think AAA, being a true Pony would be chomping at the bit for this one.
James GC
Roar Rookie
Both SRQU games are shaping up as crackers, can’t pick a winner between Brums and Reds if we go off last weekend’s form guide it should be a no brainer but as they say a week’s a long time in sport. I think the Brumbies and Rebels are both better teams then they showed last week and may use this week’s games as a catalyst to prove that.