Wallabies hooker Jeremy Paul remains on the outer at the ACT Brumbies, again relegated to the bench for Friday's must-win Super 12 rugby clash with NSW.

Rookie Digby Beaumont got the nod for the crucial Canberra Stadium match between the fifth- and sixth-placed sides.

Paul, a 32-Test veteran, was initially axed for the Brumbies' Super 12 game against the Chiefs.

It was thought ACT coach David Nucifora would recall Paul for the sell-out battle, which both teams need to win as they try to break into the four ahead of the semi-finals.

However, Nucifora decided 22-year-old Beaumont, playing his first Super 12 season, had earned the right to continue in the role.

"We were really happy with Digby's performance against the Chiefs, I thought he played really well and he deserved another go," Nucifora said.

He had no qualms about Beaumont's lack of experience in the annual grudge match against NSW, which always produced a lot of feeling from both sides.

"If you choose to start a person in any of the Super 12 sides regardless of who the opposition is the player has to be up to it.

"I think he's proved that he's well and truly up to it."

Paul didn't want to comment on his omission or reports he was unhappy with the Brumbies but Nucifora said the 26-year-old was "obviously disappointed".

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