Defence and discipline will be new Brumbies captain Stephen Hoiles' first message when his charges take on the Hurricanes in their first Super 14 trial match on Friday night.

Hoiles, who has replaced Wallabies skipper Stirling Mortlock at the helm for 2009, said the Canberra Stadium clash would be all about the players' attitude when they return to the field for the first time this year.

"We're just after a good defensive display. We think that's basically all about attitude," Hoiles told AAP on Thursday.

"We've worked hard on our attitude and our individual values and our team values in the off-season.

"And our discipline, they're probably the two key messages - our defence and discipline for the first trial.

"Defence and discipline basically come down to attitude, so that's hopefully what we will get out of tomorrow's game."

Apart from that message, No.8 Hoiles has given little thought to the 'c' beside his name in the program.

"I'm not looking at it too differently to what I normally would," the 27-year-old said.

"I'm more looking forward to getting out there and just playing.

"It's going to be a big learning experience for me.

"In the next three to four weeks I'll probably become a bit more comfortable with the role."

The Wellington-based Hurricanes will visit Canberra in the midst of a heatwave, with Friday's temperature tipped to hit 37 degrees.

And despite tennis stars struggling with the heat at the Australian Open, Hoiles said Super 14 sides were now used to beginning their seasons in January.

"We're not even going to mention the temperature, it's not going to be an issue," he said.

"It's uncontrollable so we're just trying to put it out of our minds and get on with the job."

Wallaby tourists Mark Chisolm, Ben Alexander and Peter Kimlin will be back on deck for the Brumbies, while former Test winger Clyde Rathbone will make his first appearance in nearly two years after a serious knee injury.

Another former Test winger, Mark Gerrard, will get an opportunity at fullback while Josh Holmes will start at halfback ahead of new recruit James Stannard.

Test stars Mortlock, George Smith, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Stephen Moore will all sit out the match.

Hurricanes: Zac Guildford, Andre Taylor, Jason Kawau, Tamati Ellison, David Smith, Willie Ripia, Alby Mathewson, Victor Vito, Scott Waldrom, Karl Lowe, Bryn Evans, Api Naikatini, Tim Fairbrother, Dane Coles, John Schwalger. Res: Ged Robinson, Neemia Tialata, Jason Eaton, Ma'a Nonu, Piri Weepu, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Cory Jane, Nick Crosswell, Hosea Gear, Faifili Levave, Jacob Ellison.

Brumbies: Mark Gerrard, Peter Betham, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Tyrone Smith, Francis Fanifo, Christian Lealiifano, Josh Holmes, Stephen Hoiles, Julian Salvi, Peter Kimlin, Mark Chisholm, Shawn Mackay, Guy Shepherdson, John Ulugia, Nic Henderson. Res: Nathan Charles, Ben Alexander, Sitaleki Timani, Ben Hand, Patrick Phibbs, Matt Toomua, Pat McCabe, James Stannard, Clyde Rathbone, Henry Vanderglas, Salesi Ma'afu, Anthony Hegarty, Talalelei Gray.

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