Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham will use Christian Lealiifano as a weapon from the bench when he makes an emotional comeback in Friday’s Super Rugby quarterfinal against the Hurricanes.
The star playmaker is set to make his return 11 months after being diagnosed with leukaemia.
The 19‑Test Wallaby had chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant late last year before entering remission in February.
Larkham said he had been optimistic about Lealiifano’s chances of returning.
Lealiifano’s fellow co‑captain Sam Carter will also return to the line up with the Brumbies bringing back a host of stars who were rested in last week’s loss to the Chiefs.
Wallabies props Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa are back in the mix along with outside centre Tevita Kuridrani and halfback Joe Powell.
The Brumbies will host the Hurricanes at 9.35pm Friday.
In other quarter finals, the Crusaders will host the Highlanders at 7.35pm Saturday while the Lions will take on the Sharks at 12.30am Sunday. The Chiefs will take on the Stormers at 3am Sunday.
BRUMBIES
Tom Banks, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Andrew Smith, James Dargaville, Wharenui Hawera, Joe Powell, Jordan Smiler, Chris Alcock, Scott Fardy, Sam Carter (c), Rory Arnold, Alan Alaalatoa, Josh Mann‑Rea, Scott Sio
Reserves: Robbie Abel, Ben Alexander, Leslie Leulua’iali’i‑Makin, Blake Enever, Jarrad Butler, Tomas Cubelli, Jordan Jackson‑Hope, Christian Lealiifano
Souce: Foxsports
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