Returning superstar David Pocock says he has no hesitations stepping straight back into the ACT Brumbies starting team as he prepares for his first Super Rugby game in almost two years.
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Pocock's much-anticipated Australian rugby comeback will also be his 100th Super Rugby game and double as an important step in the next stage of his already impressive career.
But while the openside flanker is back, co-captain Sam Carter is set to miss the clash against the NSW Waratahs at Canberra Stadium as he continues his recovery from concussion.
The Brumbies didn't hesitate in giving Pocock a chance in the No. 7 jersey, despite being unable to play or complete full training for the past two months after having knee surgery.
The 29-year-old is regarded as one of the world's best flankers and Brumbies fans will be eager to see if he's still at the peak of his powers after playing his last game for the club in July, 2016.
The game has extra significance given he will square off against Wallabies flanker rival Michael Hooper, who has cemented his place as Australia's Test captain.
Pocock and Hooper's rivalry and combination will be a crucial part of the Wallabies' World Cup plans next year and their clash in Canberra signifies the start of that journey.
"They're very different players," said Brumbies coach Dan McKellar.
"They're both energetic and Michael is a genuine threat in attack, a great defender and a good leader. Poey is obviously one of the best in the world with his on-ball presence, his defence and something he's worked on is his attack."
On top of that, the Brumbies and the Waratahs are battling for important momentum for their Super Rugby campaigns as both teams attempt to gain conference ascendancy.
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has largely stuck with combinations for the derby match, with Carter's absence opening the door for Blake Enever and Rory Arnold to build on their second-row combination.
Carter trained on Thursday morning in his first contact session since copping a high shot in the game against the Melbourne Rebels three weeks ago.
But it has been decided to give him an extra week to recuperate from lingering symptoms.
Tom Cusack shifts to the bench for Pocock's return, but is expected to get plenty of game time as the back up back-rower.
Former Western Force prop Mees Erasmus will make his debut from the bench, Andy Muirhead holds on to the fullback jersey and Kyle Godwin returns to the Brumbies' reserves list.
Hooker Robbie Abel will make his comeback from a rib injury via the bench, with Folau Faingaa holding on to a starting position for the second game in a row.
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.
