Wallaby Noah Lolesio returns as Brumbies brace for Fijian Drua

Wallaby Noah Lolesio is back for the ACT Brumbies ahead of Friday night’s clash with the Fijian Drua at Canberra’s GIO Stadium. Lolesio missed the last three matches for the Brums, including last weekend’s win at Eden Park, but returns to face the Drua for the second time this season.

Lolesio will be joined in the halves by Ryan Lonergan, who kicked the winning penalty goal in the 79th minute to sink the Blues 21-20 in Auckland on Friday. Hooker Billy Pollard has also been restored to the starting side.

Young playmaker Declan Meredith has served the Brumbies well as the team’s chief fly-half over recent weeks, but Lolesio brings experience as Australia’s regular starting No. 10 over last year’s international campaign under coach Joe Schmidt.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham appeared to be close to tears after the Brumbies’ win in Auckland last time out. It was a history-making win for the men from Australia’s capital, but they won’t be underestimating the Fijian Drua who recently knocked off the Chiefs 28-24.

“Declan [Meredith] has had an excellent start to the season, but this is Noah’s chance to come in and lead around the team from fly-half,” coach Larkham said in a statement.

“With Jack [Debreczeni] also in the squad, we have three strong stand-offs and the healthy competition for places can only be a good thing.

“We know that the Drua are going to come here and present an enormous challenge, particularly off the back of their impressive win last weekend. They are extremely physical and play some exciting rugby with ball in hand.

“We’ll need to be at our very best right the way through to the final whistle.”

The starting forward pack remains unchanged with James Slipper, Billy Pollard and Allan Alaalatoa lining up in the front row. Nick Frost and Lachie Shaw will combine as the locking duo, which Tom Hooper, Rory Scott and Charlie Cale round out the pack.

Outside of Lonergan and Lolesio, David Feliuai will combine with Len Ikitau once again after impressing in Auckland. Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead and Tom Wright round out the First XV as the three outside backs.

Flanker Luke Reimer will play his 50^th Brumbies match off the bench.

This fixture is set to kick off at 7:35 pm AEDT on Friday.