The Brumbies have made three changes to their forward pack for Saturday's crucial Super 14 clash with the Stormers in Cape Town.

Versatile back-rower Stephen Hoiles returns to the starting line-up after two weeks on the bench against the Sharks and Lions.

Hoiles will run on at blindside flanker, joining George Smith and Julian Salvi at the back of the scrum, with Mitchell Chapman to start on the bench.

The front row has also received two changes with Salesi Ma'afu replacing Guy Shepherdson at tighthead prop for his fifth start of the season, while Saia Faingaa replaces John Ulugia at hooker.

With the seventh-placed Brumbies walking the finals tightrope, Ma'afu is relishing the chance to start against the sixth-placed Stormers.

"This is an important match for us and I think every player enjoys starting in the big games," he said.

"I've been fairly happy with my form this season but I'm still learning the game and these matches are important for a player's development.

"The Stormers have a very strong set piece and we've had a strong focus on our scrum and lineout during the week.

"Personally, I'm looking to continue taking my game forward and building on the good work `Sheppy' has done over the past few weeks."

The Brumbies backline remains unchanged with captain and last week's man-of-the-match Stirling Mortlock leading the side from outside centre alongside midfield revelation Tyrone Smith.

Francis Fainifo and Adam Ashley-Cooper will occupy the wings with fullback Mark Gerrard making up the back three.

Coach Laurie Fisher has again opted for five forwards on the bench with Chapman, Ulugia and Shepherdson, joining Peter Kimlin and Ben Alexander. Afusipa Taumoepeau returns to the 22-man squad next to Josh Holmes as the replacement backs.

Fisher said finding optimal game time for players was integral during the final weeks of the competition.

"Across our three weeks away, it's important to maintain a balance between keeping players fresh and giving others game time," Fisher said.

"Salesis been very solid for us off the bench over the past few matches and we saw this as a good opportunity to give him a start and use `Shep' off the bench during what is an important three weeks for us.

"The Stormers are one of, if not the form team, of the competition and we realise that well require a much-improved performance on last week [against the Lions].

"They've performed very well on the back of a lineout that's operating at 91 per cent.

"We've had a focus on our set piece to make sure we're not giving away any free possession as well as ensuring we get pay for any opportunities we create."

Brumbies: Mark Gerrard, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Tyrone Smith, Francis Fainifo, Christian Lealiifano, Patrick Phibbs, Julian Salvi, George Smith, Stephen Hoiles, Mark Chisholm, Alister Campbell, Salesi Ma'afu, Saia Faingaa, Nic Henderson. Reserves: John Ulugia, Guy Shepherdson, Peter Kimlin, Ben Alexander, Mitchell Chapman, Josh Holmes, Afusipa Taumoepeau.

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