Matt Giteau returns to the playmaker role for the stumbling Brumbies in what shapes as a tough Super Rugby assignment against the Sharks in Durban.

Skipper Giteau reclaims the No.10 shirt in a swap with Christian Lealiifano who returns to inside centre in the wake of last weekend's painful 47-36 loss to the lowly-ranked Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Tyrone Smith gets his first start of the 2011 season at outside centre with Andrew Smith moving to the wing and Francis Fainifo dropped to the bench for the clash on Sunday morning (AEDT).

The Brumbies' pack suffered a blow with prop Dan Palmer likely to be forced out with a foot injury which sees Jono Owen named make his starting debut.

However there is still a chance Palmer could be rushed back into the starting the side if he can prove his fitness at training.

In the loose forwards, Ita Vaea returns from injury to No.8, with Colby Faingaa shifting to flanker and Michael Hooper dropping to the bench.

The Brumbies have a sorry 2-7 win-loss record and currently sit third in the Australian conference.

The Sharks are second in the South African conference behind the Stormers and sixth overall in Super Rugby.

They come into the Brumbies clash after a 32-12 loss to the Stormers.

Brumbies (15-1) Pat McCabe, Andrew Smith, Tyrone Smith, Christian Lealiifano, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Giteau, Pat Phibbs, Ita Vaea, Colby Faingaa, Mitch Chapman, Mark Chisholm, Mitch Chapman, Peter Kimlin, Jono Owen, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander. Res: Huia Edmonds, Salesi Ma'afu, Ben Hand, Michael Hooper, Josh Valentine, Robbie Coleman, Franky Fainifo.

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