Eight-Test Wallaby returns as Brumbies chase breakthrough win

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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 final against the Queensland Reds.

And the Brumbies and Red looking for drought-breaking wins after defeat to NSW Waratahs and the Western Powers. Brums will once again be the former captain Australia U20 captain Toby Macpherson and the game kicks off on Sunday afternoon at Viking Park.

Lonergan was named on an extended bench, which includes Super Rugby Pacific regular Rhys van Nek in the 17th jumper. On the starting side, the inclusion of Tevita Alatini at tight end is another talking point.

Alatini missed the first rounds of the competition but are one of the best teams this week. The tighthead will pack forward along with loosehead prop Lington Ieli and hooker Liam Borwon.

Captain Macpherson will again combine with the Wallabies and Nick Frost in the second row, while Tavita Loughland is the next name listed as a fullback. Eli Langi starts on the open flank with Oscar Cleary in 8th.

In the backs, Dan Nelson joins Wallabies playmaker Tane Edmed at fly-half, while Jarrah McLeod joins Kadin Pritchard in the centres. Triston Reilly and Ollie Sapsford are the two wing players and Corey Toole is in the full back position.

ACT Brumbies to take on the Queensland Reds

1. Lington yesterday
2. Liam Bowron
3. Tevita Always
4. Nick Frost
5. Toby Macpherson (c)
6. David Loughland
7. That is, 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

Substitutions

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