Brumbies v Blues: Teams

Mark Gerrard's hamstring problems have resurfaced with the Brumbies full-back ruled out of Saturday night's match against the Blues - just a week after returning from a two-week lay-off with the same injury.

Gerrard's spot will be taken by Adam Ashley-Cooper, while Francis Fainifo returns to the starting line-up after a dazzling performance in last week's thumping win over the Reds.

The Brumbies have also been boosted by the return of forward Guy Shepherdson and back rower Julian Salvi.

Shepherdson returns from a two-week suspension and comes into the starting line-up at the expense of Salesi Ma'afu.

Injury cloud

Salvi has recovered from a syndesmosis injury in his left ankle and will begin the contest on the bench. With several players still under an injury cloud, the remainder of the reserves list will be finalised later in the week.

The match could see Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock create history as he closes in on becoming the all-time leading points scorer in Super Rugby history.

Mortlock currently has 982 points to his name, eight shy of Crusaders fly-half Andrew Mehrtens' competition record of 990 points.

Justin Collins has been pulled out of the Blues starting line-up following training on Thursday.

Collins completed the training session and was listed as starting against the Brumbies, but after reporting a persistent headache to team Dr Stephen Kara, coach Pat Lam has decided to leave out the player.

In an already injury-ravaged side, this latest blow means Peter Saili will start in the number six jersey and newcomer Andrew Van der Heijden will join the 22 for his first match in a Blues jersey.

Last minute

Anthony Tuitavake and Rene Ranger are both nursing sore hamstrings and will be given until the last minute to prove their fitness.

They will fly with the team to Canberra in the hope of recovering in time for what is a must-win match, with Jamie Helleur returning to the 22 after recovering from a shoulder injury.

Winston Stanley and Dave Thomas are on standby should any of the backs fail to overcome their injuries.

A question mark also looms over Jay Williams who suffered an ankle injury in last week's loss to the Hurricanes, and coupled with the prospect of losing Kurtis Haiu, whose wife is expecting their second child, the Blues could potentially be without key locks Haiu, Jay and Ali Williams and Anthony Boric.

Former Counties player Andrew Van der Heijden has been called into the squad this week to provide cover.

All Black John Afoa and scrum-half Chris Smylie return to the starting side after stints on the sidelines and their experience and leadership will be vital to an under-strength Blues side desperate to claim victory.

Brumbies: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Francis Fainifo, 13 Tyrone Smith, 12 Gene Fairbanks, 11 Stirling Mortlock, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Patrick Phibbs, 8 Stephen Hoiles (c), 7 George Smith, 6 Mitchell Chapman, 5 Peter Kimlin, 4 Ben Hand, 3 Guy Shepherdson, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.
Replacements: tba

Blues: 15 Rudi Wulf, 14 Rene Ranger, 13 Anthony Tuitavake, 12 Isaia Toeava, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Chris Smylie, 8 Jerome Kaino, 7 Tom Chamberlain, 6 Peter Saili, 5 Kurtis Haiu/Andrew Van der Heijden, 4 Jay Williams/Dean Budd, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Dean Budd, 19 Andrew Van der Heijden, 20 Grayson Hart, 21 Jamie Helleur/Winston Stanley, 22 Paul Williams.