A mouthwatering showdown between two of rugby’s biggest stars has been given the green light, with star flanker David Pocock slotting straight back into the Brumbies starting XV for their clash with the Waratahs.

Coach Dan McKellar has kept his cards close to his chest this week as to how much part Pocock would play in the derby but he has named the 29-year-old at openside flanker, setting up a showdown with Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper.

Pocock’s return adds another layer of anticipation to an already intriguing clash between the arch rivals, with the match doubling as the star flanker’s 100th Super Rugby cap.

The return of the star Brumbies openside is the only change McKellar has made to his starting XV, with Tom Cusack pushed back to the bench.That means Sam Carter is yet to recover from a concussion suffered against the Rebels three weeks ago.

There are some changes on the bench, though, with Mees Erasmus named on the bench for a potential Super Rugby debut in place of Les Makin.

Robbie Abel is also set to return from injury from the bench, with Faalelei Sione also named ahead of Nic Mayhew.

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TEAM

Brumbies team to face the Waratahs

1. Scott Sio

2. Folau Faingaa

3. Allan Alaalatoa

4. Rory Arnold

5. Blake Enever

6. Lachlan McCaffrey

7. David Pocock

8. Isi Naisarani

9. Joe Powell

10. Wharenui Hawera

11. Lausii Taliauli

12. Christian Lealiifano

13. Tevita Kuridrani

14. Henry Speight

15. Andy Muirhead

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