NSW Waratahs captain Jake Gordon has delivered a timely boost for the side's finals hopes as they face the ACT Brumbies in Canberra.
Gordon has been cleared to start at scrumhalf after getting through his return successfully with Sydney Uni last weekend.
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“He got 40 minutes under his belt for Sydney Uni last weekend and performed well,” coach Dan McKellar explained.
“He’s had a solid couple of training weeks. So, he’s ready to go.”
Gordon is one of several Wallabies back in the side, with Angus Bell, Rob Leota, and tighthead prop Taniela Tupou back from their rest.
Bell and Leota will start, while Tupou is once again set to come off the bench for Daniel Botha.
Langi Gleeson has been elevated to the starting side, with Charlie Gamble (calf) ruled out.
“All three have benefited from the Wallaby rest guidelines,” McKellar noted.
“They’ve freshened up and they’ve been bouncing around the building this week.
“They’re keen and excited to get back on the field and contribute.”
As for the ACT Brumbies, coach Stephen Larkham has made minimal changes to the team that went down to the Hurricanes.
Rory Scott swaps with Luke Reimer and starts, with Lington Ieli coming onto the bench.
“It’s an important game against the Waratahs on Saturday, there’s no doubt about that. We’ve always enjoyed the rivalry and this week is one of our biggest in the season. It’s going to be heated,” Larkham said.
“Coming off the game we that we had against them up in Sydney, there is disappointment from our players in several different aspects, such as the lack of composure we displayed.
"Where both teams sit on the ladder, this is a crucial game for both teams at this stage of the season. From now on, we’re deciding the top six, so every game is vital in terms of securing points.”
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Lington Ieli, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Ethan Dobbins, Daniel Botha, Hugh Sinclair (co-c), Ben Grant, Rob Leota, Jamie Adamson, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (co-c), Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly, Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Taniela Tupou, Miles Amatosero, Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Tane Edmed, Henry O'Donnell
