Fotu Auelua returns to the starting line-up for the first time in 2014 when the Brumbies take on the Sharks in Canberra on Saturday.

Auelua is the only change to the starting side that went down to the Crusaders last weekend, with Jordan Smiler dropping back to the bench and Jack Whetton out of the game-day 23.

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The 120kg, the Samoan wrecking ball from Sydney’s West has been recovering from a knee injury he suffered during the Brumbies’ trial period, but is now 100 per cent ready to rip into the Sharks forward pack.

A hit-out with Western Districts in the ACT’s John I Dent Cup last week handed Auelua a try and several damaging runs and confirmed to Director of Rugby, Laurie Fisher, that his hulking loose-forward was ready to return.

“Fotu had a good game for Wests last week,” Fisher said.

“He’s been itching to get back on the park for the last month or so, so it’s great to be able to give him a start.

“He brings aggression and physicality to our side, which will be valuable against a big, South African forward pack like the Sharks’.

“The Sharks are leading the competition and have threats right across the park, so an improved performance from last week is vital if we are going to walk away with points.”

The Brumbies won the last encounter between the two sides, 29-10 in Durban last year. But prior to that the Sharks had managed to defeat the Brumbies both home and away in 2012 and 2011 – their most recent, 24-22 win at GIO Stadium a heart breaker for the home fans.

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 Fotu Auelua, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Scott Fardy, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Scott Sio
Replacements: 16 Josh Mann-Rea, 17 Ruan Smith, 18 Ruaidhri Murphy, 19 Jordan Smiler, 20 Tom McVerry, 21 Michael Dowsett, 22 Andrew Smith, 23 Pat McCabe.