Brumbies v Hurricanes: Teams

The Brumbies will be without first-choice scrum-half Josh Valentine for Friday's Super 14 clash with the Hurricanes.

Valentine had been provisionally named in the starting XV for the clash in Canberra having been sidelined with a hamstring injury.

However, he has failed to recover in time, and therefore Patrick Phibbs has been promoted into side with James Stannard coming on to the bench.

Utility back Andrew Smith has passed a late fitness test on his ankle though, with Ed Stubbs forced to settle for a place on the bench.

The Brumbies are already without Matt Toomua (knee), Mitchell Chapman (hip), Stirling Mortlock (back), George Smith (shoulder) and Francis Fainifo for the match - however Mark Chisholm and Alfie Mafi come into the starting XV.

Matt Giteau will move back to fly-half while Tyrone Smith and Adam Ashley-Cooper team up in the midfield.

Bench

Brumbies academy and Australian Sevens star Brackin Kaurauria-Henry is set to make his Super 14 debut off the bench.

The Hurricanes will be without All Blacks scrum-half Piri Weepu for the trip to Canberra after a family bereavement.

That means Tyson Keats will again start at No.9, with Taranaki's Chris Eaton called in from the wider training group.

Keats will partner Aaron Cruden at fly-half, with Willie Ripia dropping to the bench.

With Karl Lowe and Scott Waldrom unavailable, Nick Crosswell will wear the No.7 jersey with James Broadhurst named on the bench.

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

Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Tamati Ellison, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tyson Keats, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Nick Crosswell, 6 Victor Vito, 5 Michael Paterson, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore (c), 1 John Schwalger.
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18 Bryn Evans, 19 James Broadhurst, 20 Chris Eaton, 21 Willie Ripia, 22 Jason Kawau.