Christian Lealiifano set to make Brumbies return

Australia international Christian Lealiifano is set to make his first appearance after almost a year for his Super Rugby side Brumbies.

The 29-year-old, whose last appearance for Australia came in August 2016, was diagnosed with leukaemia following a brief illness. Even though Lealiifano was in line to return for the clash against Queensland Reds two weeks ago, another hamstring injury delayed his comeback.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham insisted that if Lealiifano comes out successful on Monday's practice session, he will be straightaway drafted into the crucial quarter-final clash against Hurricanes on Friday.

“It would be a gamble if I thought he wasn’t right to play so we’ll wait and make that assessment after we see how he trains,” he told The West Australian.

“We’ll name the team Tuesday but the way he’s trained within the team over the last three months gives me a fair indication that he’s ready to play.”

Rory Arnold and Chris Alcock are set to return to action after recovering from shoulder and thigh injuries respectively while Sam Carter, Joe Powell, Tevita Kuridrani and Allan Alaalatoa are also in line to return to Brumbies line-up for the all important tie.

Brumbies are yet to register a win against a New Zealand side this season but Larkham believes the team does not feel pressure heading into the clash against Hurricanes.

“It’s as new season and everything before is irrelevant,” he said.

“We’re pretty happy with the way we’ve prepared for this final.

“”It’s do or die irrespective of how you’ve gone through the season it all comes down to this game.”