Brumbies No.8 Ita Vaea is one of three changes to the struggling Super Rugby franchise who face a massive test against the Stormers in Canberra on Saturday.

Vaea returns after missing last week's 13-all draw with the Western Force because of an ankle injury, suffered in the round 12 loss to the Lions.

He replaces Julian Salvi who changes numbers and will move to openside flanker, while Mitchell Chapman makes his return at blindside flanker after a week on the sideline.

Chapman comes in for Wallabies skipper Rocky Elsom, ruled out for the rest of the season with a syndesmosis injury to his ankle.

The Stormers are the top-ranked South African franchise and are third overall on the ladder, six points behind leaders Queensland and just two points from the Blues.

Brumbies team (15-1): Pat McCabe, Henry Speight, Tyrone Smith, Christian Lealiifano, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Giteau, Josh Valentine, Ita Vaea, Julian Salvi, Mitchell Chapman, Mark Chisholm, Ben Hand, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Jono Owen. Reserves: Anthony Hegarty, Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Peter Kimlin, Michael Hooper, Patrick Phibbs, Robbie Coleman, Andrew Smith.

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