Cubelli to start for Brumbies in Auckland

Tomas Cubelli will step into the starting scrumhalf role for the Brumbies on Friday night, replacing Joe Powell in the XV.

Cubelli came off the bench last week against the Reds, three days after returning from Argentina, scoring a try in his stint on the field.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said earlier on Wednesday that it was a return to a formula that worked before the Test window.

"It was very difficult for him (Tomas) but he played a really good game both defensively and in attack and this week we're going to make a change and put Tomas in the starting team,” he said.

“Joey will do a similar role what he's been doing for the whole season, coming off the bench and adding a little bit of impact and shoring up our defence."

In the only other change to the starting team, Michael Wells comes into the number eight spot, in place of injured backrower Ben Hyne.

Hyne suffered a season-ending ankle injury just four minutes into his Super Rugby debut, against the Reds.

Brumbies team to take on the Blues on Friday night at 5:35pm AEST

1. Scott Sio

2. Stephen Moore (c)

3. Ben Alexander

4. Rory Arnold

5. Sam Carter

6. Scott Fardy

7. Jarrad Butler

8. Michael Wells

9. Tomás Cubelli

10. Christian Lealiifano (c)

11. James Dargaville

12. Matt Toomua

13. Tevita Kuridrani

14. Nigel Ah Wong

15. Aidan Toua

RESERVES

16. Josh Mann-Rea

17. Allan Alaalatoa

18. Ruan Smith

19. Blake Enever

21. Tom Staniforth

22. Joe Powell

23. Andrew Smith

24. Lausii Taliauli