The Brumbies are likely to be boosted by the return of captain Stephen Hoiles from injury for Friday's Super 14 clash with the Bulls in Canberra.

Hoiles was named as part of an extended 23-man squad in the lead up to the must-win match and has been given until the end of the week to prove his fitness after suffering a medial ligament tear in his left knee during the Brumbies' 21-11 win over the Waratahs four weeks ago.

The backrower was sidelined for the side's three-week tour of South Africa and last weekend's 17-10 win over the Stormers but resumed training with his teammates on Tuesday.

Friend said Hoiles' return to the number eight jersey would mean the benching of Julian Salvi.

"It will be a tough call for Jules because he's been tremendous in the last couple of games," Friend told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.

"But Stephen is our skipper and I think if he comes back in it will add something else to our game."

Friend said the Brumbies would need to match the Bulls' physical style of play if they were to overcome them.

He said the South African side should not to be underestimated despite being without stars Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield.

"The boys that sit behind those fellas often don't get an opportunity so when their opportunity comes they really take it," Friend said.

"The fact that those two aren't in is probably a shame for them but I think the replacements will be very handy."

Brumbies: Mark Gerrard, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stirling Mortlock, Tyrone Smith, Alfi Mafi, Christian Lealiifano, Joshua Holmes, Stephen Hoiles (capt), Julian Salvi, George Smith, Mitchell Chapman, Peter Kimlin, Ben Hand, Guy Shepherdson, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander. Res: Huia Edmonds, Salesi Ma'afu, Sitaleki Timani, Henry Vanderglas, Patrick Phibbs, Gene Fairbanks, Francis Fainifo (one to be omitted).

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