Corey Toole returns as Brumbies prepare to host Melbourne Rebels

Former sevens star Corey Toole is back as one of three changes to the Brumbies’ starting lineup following their win over the Crusaders.

The Brumbies are looking to keep their hopes of a top-two finish alive when they on the Melbourne Rebels at Canberra’s GIO Stadium on Friday evening.

Head coach Stephen Larkham has welcomed Toole back into the run-on side on the left wing, and hooker Billy Pollard is straight back into the No. 2 jersey after recovering from a knee injury.

Wallaby Tom Hooper also returns to the starting side in the second row. Hooper will partner Western Force-bound lock Darcy Swain in the middle row.

James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jahrome Brown and Rob Valetini make up the rest of the starting forward pack with those men all retaining those spots in the First XV.

Ryan Lonergan joins Noah Lolesio in the halves once again, with New Zealand-born centre Tamati Tua joining Wallaby Len Ikitau in the midfield.

Toole starts on the left wing with Andy Muirhead on the right, and in-form Tom Wright will look to replicate last weekend’s two-try heroics after being named at fullback once again.

The Brumbies’ disastrous 46-7 defeat to the Blues last month feels like a long, long time ago. They’ve since gone on a four-match winning run which includes three in Canberra.

If the Chiefs manage to beat the Hurricanes in the earlier game on Friday, then the Brumbies will have an opportunity to jump up into the top two with just one more match to play.

ACT Brumbies to take on Melbourne Rebels

1. James Slipper
2. Billy Pollard
3. Allan Alaalatoa
4. Darcy Swain
5. Tom Hooper
6. Nick Frost
7. Jahrome Brown
8. Rob Valetini
9. Ryan Lonergan
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Corey Toole
12. Tamati Tua
13. Len Ikitau
14. Andy Muirhead
15. Tom Wright

Replacements

16. Liam Bowron
17. Rhys Van Nek
18. Sosefo Kautai
19. Cadeyrn Neville
20. Luke Reimer
21. Harrison Goddard
22. Jack Debreczeni
23. Ollie Sapsford