Australia's biggest thief set for Super Rugby return

Australian openside David Pocock is set for his Super Rugby return after being cleared by Brumbies medical staff following a damaged meniscus. The 29-year-old has spent over a year out of the Australian rugby setup, after a year-long sabbatical and off-season stints in Japan.

His return will be welcomed by the Brumbies, who are certain to play him after the bye week in their return clash against the Waratahs. Head coach Dan McKellar has indicated he wouldn’t hesitate to put him straight into the starting line up.

“I think ‘Poey’ could start and perform well straight up because he’s been around a long time now and he’s in peak physical condition, as he always is,” McKellar said.

“What he brings in terms of that on-ball presence and he’s managed to get a bit of work in there, but Tom Cusack has been playing well.

“While it was disappointing he got the injury, four weeks in now and on the back of some heavy travel we’ll get a boost by having David back in the team.”

The Brumbies saved their season against the Sharks last week, beating the South African side at home to arrest a two-game skid and stay within striking distance in the Australian conference.

Pocock’s replacement Tom Cusack has been playing well in his absence, offering the Brumbies depth in the loose forwards should the side look to implement similar tactics to the Wallabies where Pocock has been used at Number 8.

The Brumbies will have to overcome the loss of experienced hooker Josh Mann-Rea, who will be out of action for up to six weeks following a torn hamstring, while they also await news on co-captain Sam Carter who is recovering from a concussion against the Rebels a fortnight ago.