Wallabies flyhalf Noah Lolesio has been cleared to return for the ACT Brumbies, adding further confidence to a Brumbies side full of confidence heading into Friday’s match with the Fijian Drua.
Lolesio last featured in Round One in the corresponding fixture in Suva, where he picked up a concussion.
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The playmaker was in line to be fit for their Kiwi tour before picking up symptoms during his return-to-play policy.
With his return, the Brumbies opted to take a conservative approach, with Declan Meredith guiding them to victory against the Blues last week.
“Declan (Meredith) has had an excellent start to the season, but this is Noah’s chance to come and lead around the team from fly half,” coach Stephen Larkham said.
“With Jack (Debreczeni) also in the squad, we have three strong stand-offs and the healthy competition for places can only be a good thing.”
Lolesio is the lone new face in the 23, with Larkham making two tweaks to the starting side.
Hooker Billy Pollard and scrum half Ryan Lonergan swap places with Lachlan Lonergan and Harrison Goddard.
“We know that the Drua are going to come here and present an enormous challenge, particularly off the back of their impressive win last weekend. They are extremely physical and play some exciting rugby with ball in hand,” Larkham notes.
“We’ll need to be at our very best right the way through to the final whistle.”
Flanker Luke Reimer is in line for his 50th appearance for the club, named on the bench.
As for the Fijian Drua, they have the luxury of picking from a full strength squad, with Iosefo Masi back from injury.
Masi starts in the centres, with Vilive Miramira named on the bench.
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Feao Fotuaika, Cadeyrn Neville, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford
