Noah Lolesio returns as Brumbies eye prized Blues scalp

Dan McKellar has made four changes to his starting side to take on the Blues in round 14 of Super Rugby Pacific, with Noah Lolesio returning at flyhalf for the blockbuster top-two clash in Ngunnawal Country.

Round 14 will see all of Super Rugby Pacific celebrating culture round, the Brumbies wearing special First Nations jerseys for their final home game of the regular season.

Recently re-signed openside Luke Reimer starts alongside Tom Hooper and Pete Samu, with Scott Sio and Folau Fainga’a rotating into the front-row.

Allan Alaalatoa leads the side from tighthead with Darcy Swain and Cadeyrn Neville continuing their partnership in the second row.

Lolesio and Nic White combine in the halves for the Blues matchup, with Irae Simone and Len Ikitau continuing in the centres.

The unchanged back-three of Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright and Tom Banks completes the Brumbies starting selection.

Billy Pollard returns to the Brumbies gameday 23 after scoring the match sealing try against the Chiefs in round 12, with Sefo Kautai also returning from the finishers alongside James Slipper.

Nick Frost continues to play a key role as the finishing lock with local product Rory Scott providing impact to the backrow.

Ryan Lonergan will finish the game at halfback, with Hudson Creighton and Ollie Sapsford completing the Brumbies matchday squad.

Brumbies head coach, Dan McKellar said: “We’re excited to get straight back home this week against a strong Blues side.”

“We reviewed the Crusaders game thoroughly and while we were disappointed with our error count, there were plenty of positives out of that game.

“Pleased to have Noah back this week and excited to see Luke Reimer get a start for what should be a cracking game for our loyal members and fans to get out to GIO Stadium and support the team.”

Brumbies: Tom Banks, Tom Wright, Len Ikitau, Irae Simone, Andy Muirhead, Noah Lolesio, Nic White, Pete Samu, Luke Reimer, Tom Hooper, Cadeyrn Neville, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Folau Fainga'a, Scott Sio. Reserves: Billy Pollard, James Slipper, Sefo Kautai, Nick Frost, Rory Scott, Ryan Lonergan, Hudson Creighton, Ollie Sapsford.

- Brumbies