Hurricanes v Brumbies: Teams

All Blacks half-back Piri Weepu makes his return to action from the bench as fourth-placed Hurricanes bid to cement their place in the Super 14 play-offs.

The scrum-half or stand-off has been troubled by hamstring injury in recent weeks and has not been given a starting role despite participating fully in training this week.

Alby Mathewson and number 10 Willie Ripia remain behind the scrum, where coach Colin Cooper makes three changes from the pack that started against the Stormers last week.

Loose forward Karl Lowe, lock Bryn Evans and prop John Schwalger are all promoted to start, replacing Victor Vito, Jason Eaton and Jacob Ellison respectively.

Brumbies are just two points behind their opponents in a tight Super 14 table and will carry plenty of momentum into the game after their last-gasp victory over the high-flying Bulls a week ago.

Coach Andy Friend has thrown the pivotal number 10 shirt to teenager Matt Toomua, who makes his first start in Super 14.

Up for it

Friend was left with little option after playmaker Christian Lealiifano was ruled out through injury and replacement Gene Fairbanks picked up a groin injury in training earlier in the week.

And the 19-year-old is expecting an unfriendly welcome from the Hurricanes frontline.

"At 10 you are going to make a lot of tackles and I'm sure with it being my first game they are going to see that as an area to attack," he said.

"But I've just got to expect that and I've got to be up for it. I've got a lot of good guys around me that are going to help me out."

Stirling Mortlock reverts to the centre with winger Alfi Mafi back from a groin strain, but lock Mark Chisholm (wrist), full-back Mark Gerrard (hamstring) and winger Clyde Rathbone (quadriceps) are all unavailable.

The Brumbies front row sees Selesi Ma'afu earning his second start for the season following the suspension of prop Guy Shepherdson, while Ben Hand's hamstring strain has cleared up and he will take his place in the second row next to Peter Kimlin.

Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Tamati Ellison, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 David Smith, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Rodney So'oialo (c), 7 Scott Waldrom, 6 Karl Lowe, 5 Bryn Evans, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 John Schwalger.

Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18 Jason Eaton, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Jason Kawau, 22 Zac Guildford.

Brumbies: tbc