LIVE: Chairman’s bold beer bet with Tahs fans

BRUMBIES vs WARATAHS in Canberra, Saturday 7.35pm kickoff AEDT

The cavalry is back for the Brumbies, who have predictably recalled rested Wallabies James Slipper, Rob Valetini, Pete Samu, Nic White and Tom Wright to face NSW.

The Brumbies also get Test centre Len Ikitau back from injury following their first loss of the season against the Crusaders.

Warringah Rats lock Sam Thomson – a Scottish import – is in line for his Super Rugby debut from the bench.

“We’re fortunate to be able to bring back a lot of experience for what is likely to be a game played at Test match intensity,” Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said.

“They’ve talked about being underdogs, but the Waratahs have a great squad and they’ll come down here under pressure to get a result so we’ll be aware of that.

“We’re expecting our biggest crowd in five years for this game so there’s been a great energy around HQ this week and we’re just excited to get to gameday.”

The Waratahs have also been boosted by the returns from injury of fullback Max Jorgensen and centre Lalakai Foketi.

Jorgensen, who had a niggly shoulder issue, starred on debut in the round one loss to the Brumbies in Sydney.

The 18-year-old will be hoping to shine again as Eddie Jones prepares to name his first Wallabies squad on Sunday.

Backrower Hunter Ward is in line to make his debut off the bench, while Taleni Seu is rewarded for strong impact performances with a start at blindside flanker.

BRUMBIES (15-1): Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Tamati Tua, Corey Toole, Noah Lolesio, Nic White, Pete Samu, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Cadeyrn Neville, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper

Reserves: Rhys van Nek, Fred Kaihea, Sefo Kautai, Sam Thomson, Jahrome Brown, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Ben O’Donnell

WARATAHS (15-1): Max Jorgensen, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, Dylan Pietsch, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon (c), Will Harris, Michael Hooper, Taleni Seu, Ned Hanigan, Jed Holloway, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Dave Porecki, Te Tera Faulkner

Reserves: Tolu Latu, Tom Lambert, Daniel Botha, Zac Von Appen, Hunter Ward, Harrison Goddard, Joey Walton, Harry Wilson