The CA Brumbies have named an extended line-up for their Week 10 Investec Bank Super 14 fixture against the Hurricanes at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night.

Scrumhalf Josh Valentine and reserve back Andrew Smith have both been bracketed with their fitness and subsequent selection to be determined tomorrow. While Valentine successfully completed today’s training session, he will be given until tomorrow to prove that he has overcome his hamstring injury. Should he fail to recover in time for Saturday’s match, Patrick Phibbs will resume his place in the starting XV.

Smith’s return to the CA Brumbies’ 22 is also in question with his fitness and subsequent selection to be known tomorrow. If he fails to overcome his ankle injury, Ed Stubbs will return to the bench after making his provincial debut for the ACT in last weekend’s 61-15 win over the Cheetahs.

With their inclusion pending, Valentine and Smith may still join the CA Brumbies’ injury list that this week claimed Matt Toomua for three-to-four weeks with lateral ligament damage to his left knee. Mitchell Chapman (hip) was also ruled out this morning and will join Stirling Mortlock (back) on the sideline.

Chapman’s injury opens the door for lock Mark Chisholm to return to the starting line-up with Justin Harrison rejoining the side on the bench.

The absences have also resulted in a shift in the CA Brumbies’ backline with Matt Giteau reverting to flyhalf while Tyrone Smith and Adam Ashley-Cooper will move to inside and outside centre respectively.

Julian Huxley will again start at fullback with winger Alfie Mafi promoted to the starting line-up for the first time in 2010 on the wing. Pat McCabe resumes his regular position on the right wing.

Brumbies Academy and Australian Sevens star Brackin Kaurauria-Henry is set to make his Investec Bank Super 14 debut off the bench with James Stannard on call to return to the side as reserve scrumhalf should Valentine be ruled out.

CA Brumbies Head Coach Andy Friend says injuries have disrupted his side’s preparation.

“It’s not the ideal lead-up to a match but it’s a reality of professional rugby,” he said. “As we get towards the end of what is a very demanding and physical season, injuries are unfortunately part and parcel of the game.

“The silver lining is that we do have tremendous depth this season and we’re confident that we won’t lose anything by bringing these new faces into the squad.

“We’re looking to build on what we achieved last weekend. It was pleasing to have the side put on nine tries last week but the Hurricanes represent a very different challenge.

“We appreciate that our ball control was probably below par in that first half and we definitely need to match the physicality of a powerful Hurricanes outfit.”

Brumbies Team:
1. Ben Alexander
2. Stephen Moore
3. Salesi Ma’afu
4. Ben Hand
5. Mark Chisholm
6. Rocky Elsom
7. Michael Hooper
8. Stephen Hoiles (c)
9. Josh Valentine/Patrick Phibbs
10. Matt Giteau
11. Alfie Mafi
12. Tyrone Smith
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
14. Pat McCabe
15. Julian Huxley

Reserves
16. Huia Edmonds
17. Guy Shepherdson
18. Justin Harrison
19. Colby Faingaa
20. Patrick Phibbs/James Stannard
21. Brackin Kaurauria-Henry
22. Andrew Smith/Ed Stubbs