Stormers coach Alan Solomons will be hoping the Brumbies' post-South Africa hangover is still lingering around when the two sides meet at Bruce Stadium on Saturday night.

One week ago, the unheralded Bulls ran into a decidedly off-colour Brumbies in Canberra and almost came away with a stunning upset. Only hooker Jeremy Paul's late try put an end to the uneasiness of the Brumbies' fans.

Solomons will also be hoping his side is not suffering any sense of deflation after their one-point loss to the Highlanders in Carisbrook. The Stormers came back well in the second-half to put themselves in a winning position only to see Highlanders winger Aisea Tuilevu cross for the winning try on the final play of the game.

Unfortunately for the Stormers, an extra week at home is expected to do wonders for the Brumbies and they are likely to have a little more spark in the midfield this week with Wallaby flyhalf Stephen Larkham set to make his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury. Larkham has not played in the Super 12 this year, but has been threatening to make a comeback for several weeks only to withdraw at the last minute.

But while the talented Larkham returns, the Brumbies have lost Wallaby winger Joe Roff for possibly six weeks with an ankle injury. Brumbies coach Eddie Jones has not finalised who will replace Roff, but could call on Stirling Mortlock, Mark Bartholomeusz or Andrew Walker to slot in at fullback where Roff has spent most of the season.

Jones said the Stormers always posed a threat because of their desire to attack.

"They are the most attacking of the South African sides and share a similar approach to the game as the Brumbies," Jones said. "They have a number of world class players like Paulse, Skinstad and Krige along with a world class coach in Alan Solomons.

"Add to that the quality of their performances away from home, which are generally very good and you can see we have a big challenge on our hands on Saturday night.

"The Stormers like to attack and get the ball in the hands of their quick men. We will have to take the space from them to ensure they don't get too much room to wind up. The battle at the breakdown between George Smith and Corne Krige will also have an impact on the outcome of the match, and I'm really looking forward to the clash between Jim Williams, who's been in great form, and Bobby Skinstad."

The Stormers could so easily have headed into Canberra with two wins from their New Zealand visit, which would be a fantastic achievement. It is not to be, but if they were to fly out of Canberra with a victory then they'd surely to have something to celebrate on the way home.

Scrumhalf Neil de Kock has replaced Dan van Zyl in the only change to the Stormers. De Kock has impressed with his speedy service from the base of the scrum when he has come on as a replacement this season.

With Van Zyl looking lethargic and failing to ignite the Stormers backline, it was fairly certain coach Alan Solomons would have to reward the 22-year-old with a place in the starting line-up. Van Zyl moves to the bench.

Brumbies: Mark Bartholomeusz, Graeme Bond, Ben Darwin, Owen Finegan, George Gregan, Travis Hall, Justin Harrison, James Holbeck, Rod Kafer, Stephen Larkham, Craig McMullen, Stirling Mortlock, Tom Murphy, Jeremy Paul, David Pusey, Peter Ryan, Radike Samo, George Smith, Daniel Vickerman, Andrew Walker, Matthew Weaver, Jim Williams, Joel Wilson, Bill Young.

Stormers: Percy Montgomery, Breyton Paulse, Robbie Fleck, Stuart Abbott, Werner Greeff, Braam van Straaten, Neil de Kock, Bob Skinstad, Corne Krige (capt), Hendrik Gerber, Rob Brink, Hottie Louw, Faan Rautenbach, Charl Marais, Robbie Kempson. Substitutes: Pieter Dixon, Morne van der Merwe, John Slade, Chean Roux, Robert Markram, John Daniels, Dan van Zyl.