The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies will welcome back Wallabies Len Ikitau and Pete Samu for Sunday's Australian derby against the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
Ikitau and Samu were not risked for the Brumbies trip to Wellington last time out, Stephen Larkham's side sitting in second place thanks to a losing bonus-point against the Hurricanes.
The Brumbies will also have Tom Hooper in their ranks for the first time this season, the lock having missed the first 10 rounds through injury after a breakthrough season in 2022.
Hooper will return from the bench with Darcy Swain partnering Nick Frost at lock, their first start as a second row pairing since April 2022.
Further forward, Lachlan Lonergan returns to the starting side at hooker, with James Slipper at loosehead and Allan Alaalatoa anchoring the scrum at tighthead.
Sunday's clash will be Alaalatoa's 45th game as captain, moving him ahead of Brett Robinson and Stirling Mortlock as the club's fourth-most-capped captain, with only George Gregan (47), Christian Lealiifano (48) and Ben Mowen (51) ahead of the 29-year-old.
Jahrome Brown earns his first start of the season at openside flanker alongside Rob Valetini and Samu in the backrow.
Nic White and Noah Lolesio renew their combination in the halves, with Tamati Tua starting at inside centre with Ikitau outside at 13.
The back-three of Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead and Tom Wright start as a trio for the eighth time this season.
Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp and Rhys Van Nek form a powerful finishing front-row with Hooper and Luke Reimer bringing big impact at lock and backrow, Hooper also more than capable at blindside as well.
Ryan Lonergan and Jack Debreczeni are the finishing halves with Ollie Sapsford completing the Brumbies matchday squad.
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham said: "Sunday is a massive game and we know we'll have to be at our best against a tough Rebels side."
"Everyone at the club is excited to see Tom back in the squad, and it's credit to him and the way he's gone about his rehab that he's earned selection this week.
"Australian rivalry games are all about maintaining composure, staying in the fight and we're going down to Melbourne ready for an 80-minute battle."
SAFEGUARD GLOBAL ACT BRUMBIES ROUND 11 TEAM
1. James Slipper, Queanbeyan Whites
2. Lachlan Lonergan, Tuggeranong Vikings
3. Allan Alaalatoa (C), Uni-Norths Owls
4. Darcy Swain, Tuggeranong Vikings
5. Nick Frost, Queanbeyan Whites
6. Rob Valetini, Western Districts Lions
7. Jahrome Brown, Gungahlin Eagles
8. Pete Samu, Gungahlin Eagles
9. Nic White, Queanbeyan Whites
10. Noah Lolesio, Tuggeranong Vikings
11. Corey Toole, Gungahlin Eagles
12. Tamati Tua, Queanbeyan Whites
13. Len Ikitau, Tuggeranong Vikings
14. Andy Muirhead, Canberra Royals
15. Tom Wright, Western Districts Lions
REPLACEMENTS
16. Billy Pollard, Uni-Norths Owls
17. Blake Schoupp, Gungahlin Eagles
18. Rhys Van Nek, Uni-Norths Owls
19. Tom Hooper, Tuggeranong Vikings
20. Luke Reimer, Western Districts Lions
21. Ryan Lonergan, Tuggeranong Vikings
22. Jack Debreczeni, Uni-Norths Owls
23. Ollie Sapsford, Uni-Norths Owls
