A defiant Brumbies side brushed aside further injury turmoil and an overtly aggressive Stormers side to register a 22-19 Super 12 win at Canberra Stadium.

Already missing major backline stars including Stirling Mortlock, Matt Giteau and Mark Gerrard, the Brumbies suffered a further blow on match eve when centre Gene Fairbanks withdrew because of an infected chin.

Things got worse when centre Clyde Rathbone was replaced in the 20th minute after a heavy blow across the neck by South African counterpart De Wet Barry, who could find himself in trouble with the citing commissioner.

"It seemed to be high and without the ball but you'd have to look at it again. There seemed to be a number of high shots out there and a few warnings," Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher said of the incident afterwards.

Rathbone was taken to hospital as a precaution but is expected to travel with the side to South Africa.

In welcoming news for the Brumbies, Gerrard and Giteau will join him.

Against an almost national strength backline, the Brumbies refused to buckle this evening even in the face of some withering defence - much of it coming from Barry.

The Springbok had already had a stint in the sinbin for a high tackle on Joel Wilson, but continued to chance his arm - literally - with a series of bruising tackles.

Tries to either side in the opening 25 minutes set the scene for a relatively even first half, but a magic period either side of the break saw the home side take charge.

It started with some sideline skirting and a five pointer by lock Radike Samo in the 28th minute.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP