Queensland Reds co-captain Liam Wright will make his return from injury from the bench against the Brumbies this Friday night in Canberra.
Wright, who injured his shoulder in the Reds’ Round 1 win over the Melbourne Rebels, will co-captain the side along with backrower Fraser McReight.
Dane Zander will start at loosehead prop in the only change to the starting XV from last weekend’s win over the Fijian Drua, while Isaac Henry will also return from a foot injury as a finisher.
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: "We've developed a good rivalry with the Brumbies.
"They're on top of the table and playing good Rugby. We're looking forward to a tough match down there in Canberra.
"It's great to have Liam Wright and Isaac Henry both available for selection. They've worked hard to overcome their injuries and they’ll do their job as finishers this week," said Thorn.
Zander will start alongside Taniela Tupou and Josh Nasser in the front row, with Ryan Smith and Angus Blyth continuing their combination in the second row.
After a man of the match performance against the Drua, Seru Uru retains his spot at blindside flanker, combining with McReight and Harry Wilson in a dynamic backrow trio.
Kalani Thomas and James O’Connor again steer the side around in the halves, with Hamish Stewart and Hunter Paisami starting in the centres.
Jordan Petaia will run on at fullback following a strong performance in Round 4, seeing Jock Campbell and Josh Flook again start out wide.
Off the bench, Connor Vest will look to add to his first Queensland cap after debuting last weekend as Wright and Henry make their returns.
Queensland take on the Brumbies at 6:45pm AEST at GIO Stadium, Canberra this Friday night, with the fixture broadcast live and exclusive on Stan Sport.
Brumbies v Queensland Reds, Friday 18 March, GIO Stadium, Canberra:
- Dane Zander – Norths
- Josh Nasser – University of Queensland
- Taniela Tupou – Brothers
- Ryan Smith – Brothers
- Angus Blyth – Bond University
- Seru Uru – Wests
- Fraser McReight (cc) – Brothers
- Harry Wilson – Brothers
- Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland
- James O’Connor – Brothers
- Josh Flook – Brothers
- Hamish Stewart – Brothers
- Hunter Paisami – Wests
- Jock Campbell – University of Queensland
- Jordan Petaia – Wests
- Matt Faessler – Brothers
- Harry Hoopert – Brothers
- Feao Fotuaika – Sunnybank
- Connor Vest – University of Queensland
- Liam Wright (cc) – Easts
- Spencer Jeans – Bond University
- Lawson Creighton – Brothers
- Isaac Henry – Wests
