The tension between Super 14 rivals the Brumbies and NSW Waratahs is never far from the surface and is set to be tested again as the neighbouring franchises compete in the same coaching market.

Both sides are on the look-out for a mentor in 2009 with NSW having already told Ewen McKenzie his five-year tenure at the Waratahs will end after this season and off-contract Laurie Fisher asked to reapply for his Canberra job.

The Brumbies process was earmarked six months ago, while they were only joined in the marketplace by NSW last week.

"We'll never adjust our process in response to something NSW is doing," Brumbies boss Andrew Fagan said.

"We're very comfortable with the process we've got and it hasn't changed from what we decided we would do six months ago and that we spoke to the coaches about.

"That was that we'd begin the process midway through the season with a view to making a decision towards the end of the season.

"That's where we're at, that's in place and what others do is really of little consequence to us."

Fagan said he was unconcerned about missing out to the Waratahs.

"If we have to cross a bridge like that then we will when we come to it but at this stage it's not proving to be an issue for us so it's of little concern," he told AAP.

Fagan said the Brumbies had had "significant interest" in the job and dismissed any suggestion of a NSW-style criteria of razzle-dazzle rugby for Fisher to keep his job.

"We don't handle things in that way," Fagan said.

"Laurie has been here for the last three-and-a-half years as head coach and before that as an assistant coach.

"What happens over one 80-minute period or over the course of a few weeks isn't going to significantly alter our opinion of him."

Meanwhile, Brumbies fullback Mark Gerrard has been named to make his return from a hamstring strain in Saturday's must-win mission against the Blues in Auckland.

But No.8 Stephen Hoiles is still feeling discomfort, despite scans clearing him of a facial fracture, and will not cross the Tasman.

Adam Ashley-Cooper moves from fullback to the wing.

Julian Salvi will start at No.8, while Saia Faingaa is back at hooker.

Brumbies: Mark Gerrard, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Tyrone Smith, Peter Playford, Christian Lealiifano, Patrick Phibbs, Julian Salvi, George Smith, Mitchell Chapman, Mark Chisholm, Alister Campbell, Guy Shepherdson, Saia Faingaa, Nic Henderson. Res: John Ulugia, Salesi Ma'afu, Peter Kimlin, Jone Tawake, Josh Holmes, Matt Toomua, Francis Fainifo, Ben Alexander (one to be omitted).

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