ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham is hoping the fact he's been instructed to rest Ryan Lonergan is a sign he is nearing a breakthrough Test appearance.
Lonergan and Luke Reimer will miss Friday’s match against the Highlanders. The pair is among a select group of managed players who can not play more than six games in a row, barring extreme circumstances, with the Wallabies' upcoming Test season in mind.
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This means Harrison Goddard returns to the starting side alongside Noah Lolesio, and Rory Scott returns for Reimer.
The scrum-half has been involved in several Wallaby camps without a debut cap, and Larkham is pleased that this shows he was being considered for the British and Irish Lions series.
“Ryan this year has really stepped up and focused hard on working on his skills in training and in the off season,” Larkham said to the media.
“I think he’s played sensationally this year.”
Larkham had similar views about Corey Toole, believing his defence has been a big improver of the speedster's game.
“He’s come up against some big wingers and has not only been good in the tackle contest but also with ball in air,” Larkham explained. “A big part of the competition is now there’s a lot more contest in the air, particular on the edges and ‘Tooley’ has been doing an exceptional job there.
“[He’s] unlucky not to have any games for the Wallabies, and I think there’s a real good opportunity with the form he’s had.”
Lachlan Lonergan (concussion) will return after the bye, replaced by young hooker Liam Bowron.
The Brumbies are also boosted by the return of Rebels recruits David Feliuai and Tuaina Taii Tualima to the side.
Feliuai missed the Waratahs' defeat with a concussion and is set to partner Len Ikitau in the midfield.
Meanwhile, Tualima last featured in Round One, contracting dengue fever during their trip to Fiji.
“We’ve had to move on pretty quickly,” Larkham said on last week’s defeat.
“There’s nothing we can do about a decision or result that has happened. We just have to move on to the next job, and we’ve quickly got back into the mindset of focusing on the Highlanders.
“A bit of disappointment on the weekend, but we took a little bit out of the session with the six-day turnaround and it being the end of a long run for us.”
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Harrison Goddard, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Cadeyrn Neville, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Klayton Thorn, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford
