The ACT Brumbies say they will take extra care with Sam Carter's return from concussion after ruling the co-captain out of a clash against the NSW Waratahs.
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Carter completed a full contact training session on Thursday for the first time since March 9 after battling to beat lingering symptoms which included hypersensitivity to crowded places.
It is hoped Carter will be ready to play again when the Brumbies host the Queensland Reds next weekend, but coach Dan McKellar says they won't rush a comeback.
Concussion has been a major issue in sport in recent years as past players open up about the long-term effects.
Sydney University launched its Brain and Mind centre earlier this week, calling for athletes from a range of sporting codes to donate their brain to research.
Wallabies playmaker Bernard Foley battled post-concussion symptoms for five weeks last year and missed the start of Super Rugby to ensure his long-term health did not suffer.
"He's just not 100 per cent. We'll go off the advice of the medical staff, and whilst he completed the majority of training he just didn't feel 100 per cent," McKellar said.
"You can't go into these games not feeling confident and being prepared for the physicality that's ahead.
"I think you're concerned about his welfare and health. It's something that's probably creating a bit of stress at the moment, so you just want him to get back to full health as quickly as possible.
"How one episode looks is completely different to another person. Bernard Foley went through something similar [last year], it's just about being patient."
Carter's absence will be a blow for the Brumbies, but they will be bolstered by the return of superstar flanker David Pocock for his first game in almost two years.
Pocock will play his 100th Super Rugby game against the Waratahs and is back in Australian rugby after taking a 12-month sabbatical.
McKellar is sticking with combinations, keeping Andy Murihead at fullback and Lausii Taliauli on the wing after both were called into the starting side two weeks ago.
Prop Mees Erasmus could make his Brumbies debut from the bench and Wharenui Hawera and Christian Lealiifano will continue their playmaker combination.
Rory Arnold and Blake Enever will start in the second row and go up against Wallabies duo Rob Simmons and Ned Hannigan.
The Waratahs have signalled their intentions to hit the Brumbies out wide, promoting 123 kilogram winger Taqele Naiyaravoro to the starting side with Israel Folau on the opposite wing.
"I think they'll use Taqele in the middle of the field as well," McKellar said.
"He will be dangerous regardless, so it's an interesting selection.
"We were pleased with the progression we made against the Sharks [two weeks] ago, and understand we need to get better.
"Fourteen of the 15 guys get another starting chance this week."
SUPER RUGBY ROUND SEVEN
Saturday: ACT Brumbies v NSW Waratahs at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.
Brumbies team: 15. Andy Muirhead, 14. Henry Speight, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Lausii Taliauli, 10. Wharenui Hawera, 9. Joe Powell, 8. Isi Naisarani, 7. David Pocock, 6. Lachie McCaffrey, 5. Rory Arnold, 4. Blake Enever, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 2. Folau Faingaa, 1. Scott Sio. Reserves:16. Robbie Abel, 17. Faalelei Sione, 18. Mees Erasmus, 19. Richie Arnold, 20. Tom Cusack, 21. Matt Lucas, 22. Kyle Godwin, 23. Tom Banks.
Waratahs team: 15. Bryce Hegarty, 14. Israel Folau, 13. Curtis Rona, 12. Kurtley Beale, 11. Taqele Naiyaravoro, 10. Bernard Foley, 9. Jake Gordon, 8. Jed Holloway, 7. Michael Hooper, 6. Michael Wells, 5. Rob Simmons, 4. Ned Hannigan, 3. Sekope Kepu, 2. Damien Fitzpatrick, 1. Tom Robertson. Reserves: Hugh Roach, 17. Harry Johnson-Holmes, 18. Paddy Ryan, 19. Tom Staniforth, 20. Will Miller, 21. Mitchell Short, 22. Lalakai Foketi, 23. Alex Newsome.
