Eight-Test Wallaby returns as Brumbies chase breakthrough win

Eight-Test Wallabies rake Lachlan Lonergan is back in the ACT Brumbies matchday squad after minor off-season surgery, named to come off the bench in the Super Rugby AUS regular season finale against the Queensland Reds.

Both the Brumbies and Reds are searching for drought-breaking wins after defeats to the NSW Waratahs and Western Force. The Brums will again be captained by former Australia U20 skipper Toby Macpherson, with the game kicking off on Sunday afternoon at Viking Park.

Lonergan has been named on the extended bench, which includes Super Rugby Pacific regular Rhys van Nek in the No. 17 jumper. In the starting side, the inclusion of Tevita Alatini at tighthead prop is another talking point.

Alatini missed the opening rounds of the competition, but is one of the headline-grabbing selections in the side this week. The tighthead will pack down up front alongside loosehead prop Lington Ieli and hooker Liam Borwon.

Captain Macpherson will again combine with capped Wallabies lock Nick Frost in the second row, while Tavita Loughland is the next name listed as the blindside flanker. Eli Langi starts at openside flanker, with Oscar Cleary at No. 8.

In the backs, Dan Nelson joins capped Wallabies playmaker Tane Edmed in the halves, while Jarrah McLeod joins Kadin Pritchard in the centres. Triston Reilly and Ollie Sapsford are the two wingers, with Corey Toole lining up at fullback.

ACT Brumbies to take on Queensland Reds

1. Lington Ieli
2. Liam Bowron
3. Tevita Alatini
4. Nick Frost
5. Toby Macpherson (c)
6. Tavita Loughland
7. Eli Langi
8. Oscar Cleary
9. Dan Nelson
10. Tane Edmed
11. Triston Reilly
12. Jarrah McLeod
13. Kadin Pritchard
14. Ollie Sapsford
15. Corey Toole

Replacements

16. Lachlan Lonergan
17. Rhys Van Nek
18. Darcy Breen
19. Tu’ukalilikali Vaipulu
20. Darcy Fogarty
21. Klayton Thorn
22. Oscar Shaw
23. Dylan Bretton
24. Chace Oates
25. TJ Talaileva
26. Ewald Kruger