Wallabies star David Pocock has been named to boost a buoyant Brumbies team for their Super Rugby clash with the Hurricanes.
Pocock missed the Brumbies’ stunning 54-17 demolition of the Chiefs in Canberra last Friday with concussion but has been cleared for the trip to Palmerston North.
He played just five minutes in the season-opening defeat to the Melbourne Rebels before leaving the field.
The ace flanker is one of four changes to the ACT franchise’s starting side to play the Hurricanes on Friday night, who also take a 1-1 record into the match.
Former Queensland Reds skipper James Slipper has been benched after starting his first two games with the Brumbies and replaced by Wallabies loosehead prop Scott Sio.
Another recruit Pete Samu gets his first opportunity, starting in the No. 6 jersey alongside Pocock.
There has been movement in the lock department with Blake Enever coming in for outgoing former captain Sam Carter, who will leave to play in Ireland at the end of the season.
The Brumbies are attempting to keep a lid on the hype that followed their biggest first-half performance since they won 2004 final against the Crusaders.