Teenaged winger Afusipa Taumoepeau will make his Super 14 starting debut for the Brumbies against the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday morning (AEST).

The 18-year-old's promotion is one of five changes from the team somewhat unluckily beaten by the Stormers with John Ulugia, Guy Shepherdson, Mitchell Chapman and Josh Holmes all returning to the run-on side as the Brumbies battle to keep slim finals hopes alive.

Taumoepeau joined the Brumbies Academy this year having represented the St Josephs First XV and Australian Schoolboys in 2007.

"I didn't think I'd play any Super 14 this year, so to be chosen in the starting side is beyond my expectations," he said.

"Growing up, I always looked up to guys like Stirling Mortlock and Mark Gerrard, so to have the opportunity to run on alongside them is a dream come true."

In the other backline change, Holmes replaces Patrick Phibbs at scrumhalf.

The Canberra-based side's forward pack has also received a number of changes with Chapman returning to blindside flanker allowing Stephen Hoiles to return to his customary role of No.8.

Ulugia replaces Saia Faingaa at hooker, and will pack down next to Shepherdson who returns to the starting front row in place of Salesi Maafu.

The Brumbies sit in eighth position on 28 points and can still theoretically make the finals but would likely need bonus point wins in the remaining two rounds as well as relying on other results going their way.

Coach Laurie Fisher was expecting a tough encounter with bonus points not entering his mind against the improved Bulls who downed the NSW Waratahs with a late field goal last week.

"The Bulls showed last week what a formidable opponent they are, particularly at Loftus, against a strong `Tahs side," said Fisher, who'll be replaced by Andy Friend at the end of the season.

"We know they have a big, physical pack and a number of fast outside backs, so our challenge is to ensure we match them physically at the set piece and the breakdown, convert our opportunities and don't give their (Bryan) Habanas and (Akona) Ndunganes any space."

"There is a lot of pride and motivation within this squad and everyone is committed to finishing the season on a positive note over the next two weeks."

Due to illness within the squad the bench players will not be named until the day of the game.

Brumbies: Mark Gerrard, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Tyrone Smith, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Christian Lealiifano, Joshua Holmes, Stephen Hoiles, George Smith, Mitchell Chapman, Mark Chisholm, Alister Campbell, Guy Shepherdson, John Ulugia, Nic Henderson. Reserves: TBA.

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