02/04/2008 14:37

Johannesburg - Brumbies and Wallaby captain Stirling Mortlock will return for his 100th Super Rugby match when the Brumbies play the Chiefs in a Super 14 match in Canberra on Friday.

Mortlock, who underwent shoulder surgery following the Rugby World Cup, returns as outside centre.

Adam Ashley-Cooper makes his first appearance since sustaining a syndesmosis injury in his right ankle in the Brumbies' first match of the competition against the Crusaders.

Scrumhalf Patrick Phibbs replaces Joshua Holmes in the only other change to the starting backline.

The pack has received a reshuffle with lock Alister Campbell and prop Guy Shepherdson in the run-on side after making their comebacks from injury off the bench against the Cheetahs.

In another shuffle in the front row, John Ulugia receives his first run-on start of the season after Huia Edmonds was ruled out for the remainder of the season. Edmonds, the former Stormers hooker, fractured his forearm during training on Monday.

Shepherdson and No 8 Stephen Hoiles will play their 50th Super Rugby match on Friday.

Brumbies:

Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Playford, Stirling Mortlock (captain), Tyrone Smith, Francis Fainifo, Christian Lealiifano, Patrick Phibbs, Stephen Hoiles, George Smith, Mitchell Chapman, Mark Chisholm, Alister Campbell, Guy Shepherdson, John Ulugia, Nic Henderson.

Replacements: Saia Faingaa, Salesi Ma'afu, Peter Kimlin, Julian Salvi, Joshua Holmes, Matt Toomua, Sanualio Afeaki.