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Re-call for Carter and Lealiifano

Sam Carter returns to the starting side this Friday, when the Brumbies take on the Chiefs in a rematch of last year's Super Rugby Final.

The competition's two best sides over the last two years – sitting second and third on the standings, both on 25 points – go head to head in Canberra for the first time since 2011.

Carter is one of just two adjustments to the side, which also sees a return to the starting side of Christian Lealiifano at inside centre.

Pat McCabe moves back to the bench, while Tom Staniforth drops out of the matchday 23.

On the bench, new recruit Tom McVerry will get his first opportunity in a Brumbies jersey having joined the franchise as flank cover after a season ending injury to David Pocock.

Returning from a bye and a win over the Reds 14 days ago, the rest of the Brumbies team remains untouched.

Director of Rugby Laurie Fisher said the Chiefs presented a significant challenge.

"The line-out is an area we try to target every week, with a team like the Chiefs that's also important, they tend to go short so we need to be aware of that," Fisher said.

"That's the line-out which has won the competition for the last two years and they always seem to find a way around the park.

"We haven't played the Chiefs in Canberra  for the last two years, we've played them twice away and been desperately close both times. I think being at home will present us with new opportunities."

Brumbies: 15 Jesse Mogg, 14 Joe Tomane, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Robbie Coleman, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Nic White, 8 Ben Mowen (captain), 7 Jarrad Butler, 6 Jordan Smiler, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Scott Fardy, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Scott Sio.

Replacements: 16 Siliva Siliva, 17 Ruan Smith, 18 JP Smith, 19 Jack Whetton, 20 Tom McVerry, 21 Michael Dowsett, 22 Andrew Smith, 23 Pat McCabe.

Date: Friday, April 24

Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra

Kick-off: 17.40 (07.40 GMT, 19:40 NZST)

Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)

Assistant referees: Rohan Hoffmann (Australia) , Andrew Lees (Australia)

TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)

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