Star Metro - Brumbies gets Wright boost for Drua Super Rugby clash

Wright went down in the opening minutes of last August's 30-22 Rugby Championship defeat to South Africa in Cape Town and has been sidelined since.

But he was named for Saturday's match against Fijian Drua in Canberra as he works his way back with an eye on Australia's first Test of the year against Ireland in Sydney on July 4.

"It's been a fairly long process for Wrighty after picking up the injury, but he's a little bit ahead of schedule, been training with us for over a month and has looked exceptionally good out there on the field," Larkham said.

"He adds a lot of leadership when the ball's in play, in the huddles and around the meeting space and he gives a lot of confidence to the players around him as well.

"A tough challenge for him coming back after so long out and starting.

"But I think there's benefits both ways to get him in there as soon as possible and not have to wait to come off the bench, then just the leadership and the confidence that it gives to the rest of the playing group."

With fellow Wallabies regular Allan Alaalatoa returning from injury last week, it leaves the Brumbies close to full fitness.

They are looking to build off a grinding 14-10 win over the Otago Highlanders last weekend after losing three of their previous four games.

That included a 42-27 defeat in Fiji to Drua, who head to Canberra fresh from a battling 24-22 victory against Western Force.

Drua have named Kemu Valetini on the bench, with the flyhalf poised to come face-to-face with his brother -- Brumbies and Wallabies backrower Rob Valetini.

D.Ch. Nadeau--SMC