Folau Fainga'a will miss the Brumbies' trip to New Zealand to take on the Chiefs as they vie to snap a six-year losing streak across the ditch.
While much of the concern around the club this week was on the management of a mumps outbreak, Fainga'a was felled by a toe injury.
That outbreak, though, has forced Tom Wright out of the side after a strong start to the year on the wing.
Wright and Fainga'a's absences are among four changes to the 23 this week with centre Irae Simone returning to the starting team after being cleared of illness while Toni Pulu, Bayley Kuenzle and Lachlan Lonergan come onto the bench.
Andy Muirhead will start on the wing in place of Wright, with Pulu his replacement.
Rookie hooker Lonergan has been named alongside older brother, halfback, Ryan in what would be their first Super Rugby outing together.
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said the side would travel with confidence as they prepared to face the undefeated Waikato side.
"It's great to have a guy like Irae back in the squad, he brings a lot of experience and gives the team confidence when he's out on the field," he said.
"Connal has been performing really well for us as a finisher so it's a good reward for him to get his first start of the season. It also means we get to see Lachlan make his Super Rugby debut which is a special moment for him and his family, especially alongside his brother.
"We know the Chiefs are playing well and we respect them as the side but we're going over there full of confidence and are looking to come away with the win."
The Brumbies take on the Chiefs on Saturday February 22 at FMG Stadium, Waikato, kicking off at 7:05pm local, 5:05pm AEDT, LIVE on Foxtel, Kayo Sports and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
TEAM
IN: Irae Simone, Lachlan Lonergan, Bayley Kuenzle, Toni Pulu
OUT: Folau Fainga'a, Tom Wright, Len Ikitau, Reesjan Pasitoa
Brumbies to play Chiefs
1. James Slipper
2. Connal McInerney
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c)
4. Cadeyrn Neville
5. Murray Douglas
6. Rob Valetini
7. Will Miller
8. Pete Samu
9. Joe Powell
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Andy Muirhead
12. Irae Simone
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Solomone Kata
15. Tom Banks
Reserves
16. Lachlan Lonergan*
17. Scott Sio
18. Tom Ross
19. Nick Frost
20. Lachlan McCaffrey
21. Ryan Lonergan
22. Bayley Kuenzle
23. Toni Pulu
Denotes Super Rugby debut
