The Brumbies have made three late changes to their starting line-up to play the Waratahs at Viking Park on Thursday.
New recruit Rocky Elsom has been ruled out with a hamstring tendon irritation while wingers Andrew Smith and Pat McCabe have succumbed to quad strains.
The omissions see Mitch Chapman return to the starting XV at blindside flanker while Alfi Mafi and Francis Fainifo take up their places on their respective wings.
Matt Giteau (quad) and Ben Alexander (hand) were the other players not considered due to injury.
Head Coach Andy Friend says the decision was made to exercise caution with the Super 14 season just nine days away.
"Had it been during the season there's a strong possibility each of them would have played," he said.
"However, one week out from the first [competition] game is not the time to be risking guys ahead of what is always a torrid and demanding season.
"It's disappointing that they [Elsom, McCabe and Smith] won't get a chance to have a last hit-out before the season but the decision was made with a view to seeing them fit to take on the Force next week."
Brumbies v Waratahs
Viking Park, Canberra
Thursday, 3 February 2010
Kick-off: 7.30pm
1. Salesi Ma'afu 2. Stephen Moore 3. Guy Shepherdson 4. Ben Hand 5. Mark Chisholm 6. Mitch Chapman 7. George Smith 8. Stephen Hoiles (c) 9. Josh Valentine 10. Matt Toomua 11. Francis Fainifo 12. Christian Lealiifano 13. Stirling Mortlock 14. Alfi Mafi 15. Adam Ashley-Cooper
Reserves16. Huia Edmonds 17. John Ulugia 18. Justin Harrison 19. Henry Vanderglas 20. Patrick Phibbs 21. Tyrone Smith 22. Afusipa Taumoepeau
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