David Pocock and Isi Naisarani will start in the Brumbies back row against the Lions this Saturday while coach Dan McKellar has favoured six forwards on the bench.

Following the Brumbies’ loss to the Rebels, McKellar has moved Rob Valetini to blindside flank. The returning Pocock and Naisarani have been selected at openside and No 8 respectively.

In anticipation of a forward assault, McKellar has stacked his bench with six forwards. Two flankers in Lachlyn McCaffrey and Tom Cusack are among the reserves.

Other changes see Christian Lealiifano moving from centre to flyhalf while Kyle Godwin gets an opportunity at No 12.

Meanwhile, Tevita Kuridrani is set to win his 100th Super Rugby cap for the Brumbies whilst team-mate Ben Alexander will rack up his 150th from the bench.

Brumbies – 15 Tom Banks, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Kyle Godwin, 11 Andrew Muirhead, 10 Christian Lealiifano (co-c), 9 Joe Powell, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Sam Carter (co-c), 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 Scott Sio.
Subs: 16 Robbie Abel, 17 Nick Mayhew, 18 Ben Alexander, 19 Blake Enever, 20 Lachlyn McCaffrey, 21 Tom Cusack, 22 Matt Lucas, 23 Andrew Smith.

Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images