Brumbies v Force: Teams

O'Connor will line-up alongside Ripia for Western Force

Key playmakers James O'Connor and Willie Ripia will line-up alongside each other for Western Force's visit to Canberra this weekend.

Coach Richard Graham has made a number of positional changes to his side for Sunday's clash against the Brumbies.

Pat Dellit is handed his first Super Rugby start after Cameron Shepherd was ruled out following a heavy fall against the Waratahs last weekend.

In other changes to the team, Rory Sidey has been moved to outside centre while Nick Cummins has been relocated to the wing.

In the scrum, Kieran Longbottom is given his first Super Rugby start in place of Pek Cowan after the prop impressed in a number of appearances from the bench.

Graham is expecting a tough challenge against the Brumbies whose confidence was boosted after ending a five-match barren run with victory over the Hurricanes last weekend.

"They've had predominantly very close fought matches throughout the season, while their two wins have come at home," said the coach.

Intensity

"It definitely tells us they are fighting hard in every match and enjoy playing in front of their supporters.

"We'll need to work hard for each other and display a real intensity in our defensive line against a side that passes the ball more than any other in Super Rugby."

The Brumbies, meanwhile, have made four changes to their side, with Adam Ashley-Cooper starting on the bench after recovering from a hip injury.

Ashley-Cooper, who was injured during the Brumbies' 17-16 win against the Hurricanes last Saturday, has barely trained during the week, according to coach Tony Rea.

Rea has been forced to shuffle his side due to injuries to hooker Huia Edmonds (hamstring) and winger Henry Speight (ankle).

Anthony Hegarty will make his first Super Rugby start at hooker with Elvis Levi coming onto the bench, while Pat McCabe replaces Speight, with Francis Fainifo starting on the other wing.

Dan Palmer returns to the starting XV at tighthead prop and Michael Hooper retains his spot as the starting openside, keeping Julian Salvi on the bench.

Brumbies: 15 Matt Toomu, 14 Pat McCabe, 13 Andrew Smith, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Francis Fainifo, 10 Matt Giteau (c), 9 Josh Valentine, 8 Ita Vaea, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Peter Kimlin, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Ben Hand, 3 Dan Palmer, 2 Anthony Hegarty, 1 Ben Alexander.
Replacements:16 Elvis Levi, 17 Dan Palmer, 18 Colby Faingaa, 19 Julian Salvi, 20 Patrick Phibbs, 21 Tyrone Smith, 22 Adam Ashley-Cooper.

Western Force: 1 Kieran Longbottom, 2 Ben Whittaker, 3 Tim Fairbrother, 4 Sam Wykes, 5 Nathan Sharpe (c), 6 Richard Brown, 7 Jono Jenkins, 8 Ben McCalman, 9 Brett Sheehan, 10 Willie Ripia, 11 David Smith, 12 James O'Connor, 13 Rory Sidey, 14 Nick Cummins, 15 Pat Dellit.
Replacements: 16 Nathan Charles, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Tom Hockings, 19 Tevita Metuisela, 20 James Stannard, 21 Gene Fairbanks, 22 Alfie Mafi