Even with ace playmaker Stephen Larkham back in harness, the Brumbies are braced for a rugged "road test", with the Bulls set to recall Springbok forwards Victor Matfield and Richard Bands at Pretoria tomorrow.
The Bulls have named the test duo, who are returning from injury, in their 22-man squad, but they have yet to decide whether they will pitch them into the fray from the start at Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The Brumbies, second on the table after three straight wins at Canberra Stadium, have baulked at the chance to recall Wallabies vice-captain David Giffin to the starting line-up to nullify Matfield's possible influence at the lineout.
Coach David Nucifora kept faith in Radike Samo and Mark Chisholm while making two changes to the side who got out of jail against the Sharks 23-20.
Larkham returns from an elbow injury at the expense of Mark Bartholomeusz, and rookie prop Guy Shepherdson displaces Nic Henderson at tighthead.
"We rested Stephen and Guy last week with the Bulls match in mind," Nucifora said.
"Steve has recovered well from treatment on his elbow and has trained hard this week.
"His experience and playmaking skills will be crucial against the Bulls, linking up with Matt Giteau and Stirling Mortlock in the centres."
The fourth-placed Bulls are coming off a 16-16 draw against the Highlanders.
The clash represents an opportunity to signal themselves as true contenders.
Likewise, the Brumbies are determined to start their two-match South African safari on a successful note.
* Stormers coach Gert Smal has made three changes to the forwards for their match against the Waratahs tomorrow at Newlands.
Springbok flanker Schalk Burger returns after injury and Hendrik Gerber, who played in the World Cup last year, will make his Super 12 debut off the bench after recovering from a shoulder injury.
Dawid Britz has been brought into the starting XV ahead of Tjoepie van den Heever, who shouldered much of the blame for the Stormers' poor lineout against the Hurricanes.
Britz will face a stern test as the Waratahs have Wallaby jumpers Daniel Vickerman and Justin Harrison in the line-up.
In the backline, the quicksilver halfback, Neil de Kock, gets his first start of the season, with Johannes Conradie dropping to the bench.
Springbok Werner Greeff, who is battling with a groin injury, is in doubt.
Gaffie du Toit will play if Greeff isn't fit enough.
AGENCIES
Tough start to away trip for Brumbies
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.