He has almost a full game of Super Rugby minutes in 13 appearances, but ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham trusts Declan Meredith's hot hand to guide the side home against the Western Force.
The 25-year-old starts in place of Noah Lolesio (concussion), just under two years after his Super Rugby debut.
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Meredith has been used exclusively by Larkham off the bench, averaging six minutes per appearance.
However, the Wests Lions product has impressed with every opportunity he has got.
He was one of their best in the draw against the Waratahs in Bowral and earned the nod over the experienced Jack Debreczeni.
“Every time Declan has come in, he’s played exceptionally well for us at ten,” Larkham told reporters.
“We had trial games, tours to Japan going back a year ago and he played well in the trials this year again. Predominately through training, he’s been our number one.
“We’ve also got Jack Debreczeni coming off the bench who adds really good stability and good leadership but Declan hasn’t put a foot wrong.
“He didn’t have that many involvements last week but they were quality involvements…he steered the team around the paddock really well coming on in that situation when the boys are behind on the scoreboard and the crowd and conditions are against us.
“It’s reward for all the hard work in the pre-season, his trial form and the way he played on the weekend.”
Lolesio’s absence has been offset by the return of a plethora of Wallabies back in the starting side.
James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa adds close to 300 Super games of experience, whilst Nick Frost and Charlie Cale join a red-hot forward pack.
Len Ikitau returns to the midfield to face old friend Darcy Swain, whilst the explosive Tom Wright starts at fullback.
“They’ve added some energy because they didn’t have to do the travel so they’ve come in buoyed by the win and how the boys played,” Larkham added.
“The Wallabies boys are excited about getting out to GIO (Stadium) this weekend so they’ve brought that energy.
“We’ve had really good comms from them (on-field) and that’s what you get from quality players like that Wallaby group.
“I came off the field Tuesday and was very happy with the way the boys trained but there was really good connection between guys who’d been training for a long time and guys coming in from Wallabies for the first time this week.”
