Brumbies v Cheetahs: Teams

The Brumbies have been forced to change their backline for the visit of the Cheetahs on Saturday.

Stirling Mortlock, Francis Fainifo, Christian Lealiifano and Josh Valentine are all missing through injury, so coach Andy Friend has rung the changes.

Full-back Julian Huxley starts his first game in two years following an operation to remove a brain tumour, with Adam Ashley-Cooper moving to the wing and Tyrone Smith starting at outside centre.

Patrick Phibbs has been handed the No.9 shirt, while James Stannard, Ed Stubbs and Alfi Mafi have been called up to the bench.

The Cheetahs had been due to see the return of Juan Smith - however he has been released from the squad following the death of his father.

Smith had only just teamed up with the squad after missing the past two games to be with his father. However he has now flown home.

Izak van der Westhuizen or Davon Raubenheimer are now in line to replace Smith with Nico Breedt likely brought back on the bench.

Van der Westhuizen, who is poised to become the 11th Cheetahs player to make his Super 14 debut this year, or Raubenheimer will join Hendro Scholtz and Kabamba Floors in a new-look back-row.

Coenie Oosthuizen, Wilmaure Louw and Corné Uys also come into the starting XV.

Brumbies: 15 Julian Huxley, 14 Pat McCabe, 13 Tyrone Smith, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Patrick Phibbs, 8 Stephen Hoiles (capt), 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Mitchell Chapman, 4 Ben Hand, 3 Salesi Ma'afu, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.
Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 Guy Shepherdson, 18 Mark Chisholm, 19 Colby Faingaa, 20 James Stannard, 21 Ed Stubbs, 22 Alfi Mafi.

Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Wilmaure Louw, 13 Corné Uys, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Jongi Nokwe, 10 Naas Olivier, 9 Tewis de Bruyn, 8 Kabamba Floors, 7 Juan Smith (captain), 6 Hendro Scholtz, 5 Walti Vermeulen, 4 Barend Pieterse, 3 WP Nel, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Coenie Oosthuizen.
Replacements: 16 Wian du Preez, 17 Ryno Barnes, 18 Izak van der Westhuizen, 19 Davon Raubenheimer, 20 Sarel Pretorius, 21 Riaan Viljoen, 22 Robert Ebersohn.