The ACT Brumbies have received a massive boost ahead of Saturday's game against rivals NSW Waratahs with the inclusion of John Eales Medalist Rob Valetini.
Valetini has been named to start at number eight after overcoming a hamstring injury suffered in pre-season.
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His return is timely after Charlie Cale was ruled out with a back injury.
“It’s a huge boost to have Rob back in our side,” coach Stephen Larkham said.
“He’s a world-class back row who possesses so many qualities that help our team.”
Valetini is one of four changes to the team that took down the Drua last week in Canberra. Luke Reimer comes into the starting side after two games as a finisher, swapping with Rory Scott, while Cadeyrn Neville starts in the second row alongside Nick Frost.
Ollie Sapsford fills the void left by David Feliuai after his concussion, with Jack Debreczeni and Austin Anderson added to the replacements.
“We’re looking forward to taking on the Waratahs in their own backyard. They’ve made a strong start to the season despite their slip-up against the Reds last weekend," Larkham added.
“Everyone at the club wants to play in these sorts of matches against our biggest rivals."
As for the Waratahs, they will be without star back Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for another week after his bid for a return fell short.
Suaalii started training with the squad at the start of the week but will likely return next week against the Hurricanes.
“Joseph is back training, but he’s only had one full session with the team,” Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said.
“It wouldn’t be fair to throw him in at this stage as he still needs more load in his training before being match-ready.”
McKellar has resisted the urge to make mass changes after their defeat to the Queensland Reds.
Langi Gleeson returns to the starting side as Daniel Botha and Isaac Kailea come onto the bench.
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Hugh Sinclair (c), Ben Grant, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Max Jorgensen, Joey Walton, Henry O'Donnell, Triston Reilly, Andrew Kellaway
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Isaac Kailea, Daniel Botha, Felix Kalapu, Jamie Adamson, Leafi Talataina, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Rob Valetini, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Ollie Sapsford, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Rory Scott, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Austin Anderson
