Fullback Julian Huxley will return from a hamstring injury to take up his place at the back of the Brumbies’ backline for their final round Super 14 match against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday.
Huxley has been sidelined for the past two matches after sustaining a hamstring strain in the Brumbies’ Week 11 clash with the Waratahs. The 30-year-old’s return sees Adam Ashley-Cooper move to the left wing with Andrew Smith dropping back to the bench.
The ACT side’s forward pack remains unchanged.
The Brumbies will be chasing their first win at AMI Stadium since their 17-12 victory in 2000. It was the second time the ACT had tasted success in Christchurch with the first coming in 1996 with a favourable 29-7 result.
Brumbies Head Coach Andy Friend says past records are of little interest to his side.
"Our performances have been building over the past few matches and we’ve put ourselves in a good position for the weekend. We were strong against the Reds and continued that against an in-form Highlanders side last week, and now we need to find the next gear in Christchurch.
The Brumbies depart for Christchurch tomorrow.
Brumbies
1. Ben Alexander , 2. Stephen Moore , 3. Salesi Ma’afu , 4. Mitchell Chapman , 5. Mark Chisholm , 6. Rocky Elsom , 7. George Smith , 8. Stephen Hoiles (c) , 9. Josh Valentine , 10. Matt Toomua , 11. Adam Ashley-Cooper , 12. Matt Giteau , 13. Tyrone Smith , 14. Pat McCabe , 15. Julian Huxley
Reserves , 16. Huia Edmonds , 17. Jerry Yanuyanutawa , 18. Ben Hand , 19. Colby Faingaa , 20. Patrick Phibbs , 21. Brackin Karauria-Henry , 22. Andrew Smith
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