Brumbies coach Jake White has made just two changes to his starting XV for Saturday's clash with the Stormers in Cape Town.
Ian Prior will start at scrum-half for the first time this year and Dan Palmer returns at tight-head prop.
Prior spent plenty of time in the number nine jersey during the 2012 season and came on for Nic White in the 13th minute in the win against the Sharks in Durban last weekend..
After sustaining a knock to his shoulder, White has been given extra time to prove his fitness. Mark Swanepoel was flown into South Africa on Monday as cover and will wear the number jersey 20 on the bench should White not be cleared.
Palmer comes in to the Brumbies run-on side moving Ben Alexander to the bench. Scott Sio and Fotu Auelua retain their starting spots for the second leg of the tour with Peter Kimlin remaining at lock and Ben Mowen blind-side flanker.
Jake White is determined for his troops to remain the only unbeaten side in the tournament.
"Last week's first-half performance was fantastic, but I'd like to see our guys build on that this week and continue to apply that sort of pressure for the entire match," he said.
"It's no secret that the Stormers defence is up there with the best in the world and with players like Jean (de Villiers) and Juan de Jongh they can attack from anywhere too. Saturday is our biggest test so far this season.
"With 864 caps, we've got enough experience to win at Newlands. Guys like Clyde Rathbone, Christian Lealiifano, Ben Alexander, George Smith and Peter Kimlin have all won here before.
"Since the beginning of our season the aim has been to win every game we play. That's the mentality we have to bring on Saturday evening if we are a chance at beating the Stormers."
Brumbies: 15 Jesse Mogg, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Joe Tomane, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Ian Prior, 8 Fotu Auelua, 7 George Smith, 6 Ben Mowen, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Peter Kimlin, 3 Dan Palmer, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Scott Sio.
Replacements: 16 Siliva Siliva, 17 Ben Alexander, 18 Scott Fardy, 19 Colby Faingaa, 20 Nic White/Mark Swanepoel, 21 Robbie Coleman, 22 Clyde Rathbone.
Date: Saturday, March 23
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick-off: 19:10 (17:10 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (NZ)
Comments
passtheball says...
Interesting that its a neutral ref - unlike the two games the Chiefs played in SA - one of which had serious question marks. I think the Brumbies will be too strong and Jake White has inside info.
Posted 13:21 21st March 2013