ACT Brumbies playmaker Jack Debreczeni is ready to impress as they prepare for a crunch match against the Blues.
Debreczeni made his first appearance of 2024 a fortnight ago, coming off the bench in their win over the Waratahs before their bye.
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The former Rebel missed the start of the season in unique circumstances, suffering a plantar fascia injury during the 'bronco test' in pre-season.
"Maybe I’m too old for fitness testing, hopefully next year I don't have to do the bronco," he joked.
"...It was frustrating to start the season with the injury. To see the boys going so well and to be a part of it was a good feeling.
"It was good to have that break, reflect and come back stronger...I was in a boot for about four or five weeks and then building the strength through the calf muscle.
"The boys were calling it an old man injury so got a bit of slack for that."
The 30-year-old remains in the reserves for Saturday's clash, however, has been named vice-captain in a 6-2 bench split.
Head coach Stephen Larkham has named Caderyn Neville and Jahrome Brown in the starting side.
Neville partners Darcy Swain in the second row whilst Brown's return pushes Tom Hooper to the bench alongside Wallaby Nick Frost.
Captain Ryan Lonergan returns after missing the win over the Waratahs, with a win potentially leaping the Brumbies into second before facing top-of-the-table Hurricanes in Canberra.
"We have two really tough tests over the next two weeks," Debreczeni added.
"It will be an exciting opportunity to see where we are and hopefully build on that coming into the back of the season.
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Sefo Kautai, Darcy Swain, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan (c), Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Hudson Creighton, Ollie Sapsford, Tom Wright
RESERVES: Connal McInerney, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni
