Christian Lealiifano set to return from injury in Brumbies’ round-seven clash with Rebels

THE injury-hit Brumbies are about to get a massive boost to their Super Rugby prospects, with Christian Lealiifano set to return next week.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 21: Christian Lealiifano of the Brumbies is tackled during the Super Rugby Qualifying Final match between the Brumbies and the Cheetahs at Canberra Stadium on July 21, 2013 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Postles/Getty Images)

THE injury-hit Brumbies are about to get a massive boost to their Super Rugby prospects, with proven match winner and Wallabies back Christian Lealiifano set to return next week.

The Canberra-based franchise scored a gritty 25-15 home win over South Africa’s Stormers on Saturday to move back to the top the Australian conference, one point ahead of NSW Waratahs, who have played one game less.

Inside back Lealiifano missed the Brumbies’ first five Super games after undergoing an ankle reconstruction.

He made a successful comeback in a Canberra club game on Saturday, scoring one try, setting up two more and kicking a couple of goals.

“He played 60 minutes of club rugby, he got through unscathed and will be available for selection next week,” the Brumbies’ director of rugby Laurie Fisher said.

“He’s very, very important in our squad. He’s a senior player, a good leader not just in the backline, but the whole team.

“So I think that’s a massive boost for us.”

Lealiifano was one of eight Brumbies unavailable for the Stormers game.

Of the others, Wallabies centre Tevita Kuradrani is the only one expected to be available for Friday’s clash with the Rebels in Melbourne, after he returns from a funeral in Fiji.News_Rich_Media: ACT Brumbies head coach Laurie Fisher talks the media through the importance of the Brumbies win over the Stormers.

The only Brumby injured on Saturday was flanker Jarrad Butler, who came off with a head knock.

Fisher anticipated the backrower would be available for selection next week after undergoing the concussion protocols.

Against the Stormers, the Brumbies scored three tries to two in a attritional arm wrestle, as they chalked up a fourth straight victory.

Winger Robbie Coleman crossed twice to make it four tries from as many games this season, while the Brumbies scrum forced the Stormers into conceding a penalty try on the bell.

“We weren’t happy with the way we scrummed early on, I think the Stormers definitely got the best of us and probably caught us a little bit flat in that area,” Brumbies captain and backrower Ben Mowen said.

“The pleasing thing was we spoke about that on the field and got an immediate reaction.”

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee said the Brumbies’ set piece work was very good and he rated them among the best teams in the competition in that critical area.