The Brumbies have brought back two big guns to their side to take on the Highlanders on Sunday in Super Round at AAMI Park in Melbourne.

Towering lock Cadeyrn Neville is set to make his first appearance for the Brumbies since round one, with flyhalf Noah Lolesio fully fit to return having not been risked for the Brumbies bonus-point victory against the Fijian Drua in round eight. 

Scott Sio starts at loosehead prop, with recently re-signed hooker Lachlan Lonergan and Sefo Kautai completing the front row. 

Neville will combine with Darcy Swain in the second row with the backrow of Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown and Pete Samu restored for the clash. 

Nic White will lead the side once again from halfback, renewing his partnership with Lolesio in the halves. 

The outside-back group from round eight remains intact with Irae Simone and Len Ikitau having started every game this season in the centres.

Andy Muirhead and Cam Clark will occupy the wings with Tom Wright continuing at fullback. 

Folau Fainga’a returns to the matchday squad as the finishing hooker with James Slipper and Tom Ross also on the pine. 

Tom Hooper and Luke Reimer both impressed as starters against the Fijian Drua, and will look to spark off the bench against the Highlanders. 

Ryan Lonergan will play an important role as the finishing halfback, with Rod Iona and Hudson Creighton completing the matchday selection. 

Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar said the squad is in good shape heading into a challenging period coming up against the New Zealand based sides.

“We’re in a good place heading into an exciting couple of months for us, starting this week with a big challenge against the Highlanders,” he said.

“It’s great to have Nev and Noah back this week but in saying that, Rod has performed well as have the rest of the squad and we’ll continue to back our depth to do a job for the team. 

“Super Round is a great concept and hopefully it’s well supported but for us it’s a normal game, we’ll go through our preparation as usual and will be ready to go at 2pm on Sunday.”

BRUMBIES TEAM FOR ROUND TEN OF SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC

1. Scott Sio
2. Lachlan Lonergan
3. Sefo Kautai
4. Darcy Swain
5. Cadeyrn Neville
6. Rob Valetini
7. Jahrome Brown
8. Pete Samu
9. Nic White (C)
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Andy Muirhead
12. Irae Simone
13. Len Ikitau
14. Cam Clark
15. Tom Wright
 
REPLACEMENTS
 
16. Folau Fainga’a
17. James Slipper
18. Tom Ross
19. Tom Hooper
20. Luke Reimer
21. Ryan Lonergan
22. Rod Iona
23. Hudson Creighton