Brumbies get major Wallaby boost ahead of Super Rugby showdown

Star playmaker Noah Lolesio is set to return to bolster the Brumbies in their crunch match against the Crusaders, with both teams chasing a crucial Super Rugby Pacific top-two spot.

The ACT team haven’t finished in the top two on the ladder since 2004, but have put themselves in prime position playing at home on Friday night.

The Chiefs are on top of the ladder with 46 points, followed by the Crusaders with 45 and the Brumbies on 43, with four points on offer for a win.

Winger Andy Muirhead said the team had spoken about what will be at stake when they line up against the Crusaders, who have veteran Wallabies playmaker James O’Connor in their ranks.

“We were sort of pinpointing this a couple of weeks ago that a result this weekend puts us in a good position to finish top-two, and obviously it’s coming down to Friday night,” Muirhead said.

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“It doesn’t change our mindset really, we want to be a team that plays good footy at home.

“We know what the Crusaders bring and we’ve had some really good battles here at GIO (Stadium), so we’re looking forward to it and hopefully getting a good result and keeping our record at home.”

He felt the team had been making steady progress and was ready to return to the glory days, having last won the title in 2004.

“If you look at the last two years, we haven’t been far off the pace, and we’ve made some really good steps in particular parts of our game,” Muirhead said.

“To get a good win at home this weekend is going to put us in good stead – it’s going to put our hand up for a title.”

Appearing in extreme pain, Lolesio was stretchered off wearing a neck brace against the Western Force this month. Lolesio was later cleared of serious injury, and Muirhead said he was set to play.

“I think he’s tracking well … he’s been recovering well and I’m assuming he will be involved in some capacity,” Muirhead said.

“Being off the field has given him a bit more motivation to rip in.”

Muirhead’s company, Yara Co, will be running a kick-for-cash challenge at halftime, giving schools the chance to win a share of $50,000.

The company is an Indigenous civil construction business that also runs training programs through TAFE for Indigenous students.

If Muirhead doesn’t get a Wallabies start, he is set to be a leading figure in the First Nations and Pasifika Invitational XV, who will face the touring British and Irish Lions.

Toutai Kefu was announced as coach last week, with his assistants revealed on Tuesday, including All Blacks legend Tana Umaga, former Wallabies prop Sekope Kepu, former Fiji Test coach Simon Raiwalui, and Wallabies great Glen Ella.