Brumbies captain Stephen Moore will make his long-awaited return to the starting line-up for Saturday’s Super Rugby clash against the Melbourne Rebels.
Having played off the bench for the first two rounds following last year’s knee surgery, Moore’s inclusion at hooker is the only run-on change to the side that went down to the Chiefs last week.
Moore’s inclusion for the AAMI Park clash in Melbourne sees Josh Mann-Rea pushed back to the bench alongside outside back Jesse Mogg, who is set to get his first game-time in 2015 after shoulder surgery four months ago.
“Josh Mann-Rea has been outstanding in Moore’s absence,” head coach Stephen Larkham said.
“But Steve is Australia’s most-experienced player and any side receives a boost while he’s on the field.”
Debutant second rower Blake Enever has also been named on the bench, with Sean Doyle and Luasii Taliauli moving out of the match-day 23.
Brumbies: Robbie Coleman, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Joe Tomane, Matt Toomua, Nic White, Ita Vaea, Jarrad Butler, Scott Fardy, Sam Carter, Rory Arnold, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore (capt), Scott Sio. Res: Josh Mann-Rea, Ruan Smith, JP Smith, Blake Enever, Jordan Smiler, Michael Dowsett, James Dargaville, Jesse Mogg.