A measured approach around the returns of ACT Brumbies star front-rowers Allan Alaalatoa and Lachlan Lonergan is hoping to deliver dividends ahead of Friday's clash with the Highlanders in Dunedin.
The Wallabies pair will play for the first time in 2026 after Alaalatoa and Lonergan overcame back and knee issues respectively.
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The return of Alaalatoa is especially significant, as he was left in limbo with a back issue that ruled him out right before the start of the season.
It comes off the back of a thumb injury to Rhys van Nek, leaving Darcy Breen to carry the heavy load.
Larkham admits that while they could've rushed him back before the bye, it was universally agreed to give the veteran Wallaby the extra time to ensure his full fitness.
“He's more than ready, Al. Probably itching to get out there before the bye, but we held him back a little bit there....He's one of those guys, a little bit like James Slipper and some of the other senior players who really want to be a part of the team every single week but I think holding him back has probably been a little bit easier than previous years with Al," Larkham explained.
“I think he learned some lessons just in terms of where his body is at and how to manage a longer season, knowing that it comes out of Super Rugby and then hopefully gets picked for the Wallabies and he's got a long season ahead there as well.
“I think he's certainly learned a lot over the last 12, maybe 18 months, in terms of not overloading himself by putting himself into every single game."
Lonergan's inclusion comes via the bench and at a perfect time, with brother Ryan preparing for his 100th game in Super Rugby.
The younger of the Lonergan brothers damaged his ACL during their British & Irish Lions clash in Canberra.
“Coming out of the bye gave us a little bit more time to find some combination there on the training park. He's certainly someone who has been training really well. I think his performances for both the [Brumby] Runners and [Tuggeranong] Vikings were where they needed to be," Larkham insists.
“[Ryan’s 100th] certainly not the reason for selection, but it'll be good for them to go out there and enjoy the milestone together.”
Wallabies fullback Tom Wright remains on the sidelines, potentially returning for next week's clash with the Fijian Drua.
“We'll see how he goes next week. His rehab is going really well. He has been training with us now for a little bit like Al," Larkham added.
“He's been training with us for about a month but a slightly different injury compared to Al. Just got to make sure that he's fully confident before he gets back out there on the field.”
Further changes sees Nick Frost re-gain his spot in the starting side, replacing Cadeyrn Neville.
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Kadin Pritchard, Ollie Sapsford, Andy Muirhead
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Darcy Breen, Toby Macpherson, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Hudson Creighton
