A mouthwatering showdown between two of rugby's biggest stars has been given the green light, with star flanker David Pocock slotting straight back into the Brumbies starting XV for their clash with the Waratahs.
Coach Dan McKellar has kept his cards close to his chest this week as to how much part Pocock would play in the derby but he has named the 29-year-old at openside flanker, setting up a showdown with Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper.
Pocock's return adds another layer of anticipation to an already intriguing clash between the arch rivals, with the match doubling as the star flanker's 100th Super Rugby cap.
The return of the star Brumbies openside is the only change McKellar has made to his starting XV, with Tom Cusack pushed back to the bench.
That means Sam Carter is yet to recover from a concussion suffered against the Rebels three weeks ago.
There are some changes on the bench, though, with Mees Erasmus named on the bench for a potential Super Rugby debut in place of Les Makin.
Robbie Abel is also set to return from injury from the bench, with Faalelei Sione also named ahead of Nic Mayhew.
TEAM
Brumbies team to face the Waratahs
1. Scott Sio
2. Folau Faingaa
3. Allan Alaalatoa
4. Rory Arnold
5. Blake Enever
6. Lachlan McCaffrey
7. David Pocock
8. Isi Naisarani
9. Joe Powell
10. Wharenui Hawera
11. Lausii Taliauli
12. Christian Lealiifano
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Henry Speight
15. Andy Muirhead
Reserves
16. Robbie Abel
17. Faalelei Sione
18. Mees Erasmus
19. Richie Arnold
20. Tom Cusack
21. Matt Lucas
22. Kyle Godwin
23. Tom Banks
