The Brumbies have made one change to their starting line-up to play the Sharks in their Super 14 Week 10 match at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night.

Captain Stirling Mortlock has been ruled out after suffering an accidental knee to the head during the side's 16-11 win over Auckland last weekend.

Adam Ashley-Cooper shifts to outside centre while Francis Fainifo has been promoted from the bench onto the left wing.

Ashley-Cooper, who was among the Brumbies' best against the Blues, will play in his third position in as many weeks having started at fullback against the Chiefs and on the wing at Eden Park last weekend.

The 23 year old says he's looking forward to running on in his preferred position in the Brumbies midfield.

"It's disappointing to lose Stirlo," he said. "In saying that, we've played without him through the first half of the competition, so this isn't a new obstacle for us.

"We realise what a challenge we're in for on Saturday. The Sharks have quality players across the field from one through to 22 and if we don't turn up to play then they will make us pay."

The Brumbies' bench has also received a boost with the inclusion of Stephen Hoiles, who returns from a cheek injury suffered against the Chiefs a fortnight ago. Hoiles joins an extended reserves list with prop Ben Alexander and centre Sanualio Afeaki included on the eight-man bench.

Brumbies Head Coach Laurie Fisher says his side must front up against the Sharks.

"Remaining undefeated through 10 rounds of the competition is no easy feat and we know we'll have our work cut out for us on Saturday night," he said. "The Sharks are very well-drilled side, they are strong defensively and we know they'll turn up to play.

"We need to ensure out set piece is solid, we continue to work in defence and that we're playing mistake-free football."

The Brumbies' forward pack will remain the same with Julian Salvi retaining the '8' jumper while last week's man of the match Mark Chisholm and Alister Campbell will pack down at lock.

Brumbies:
1 Nic Henderson
2 Saia Faingaa
3 Guy Shepherdson
4 Alister Campbell
5 Mark Chisholm
6 Mitchell Chapman
7 George Smith (c)
8 Julian Salvi
9 Patrick Phibbs
10 Christian Lealiifano
11 Francis Fainifo
12 Tyrone Smith
13 Adam Ashley-Cooper
14 Peter Playford
15 Mark Gerrard

16 John Ulugia
17 Salesi Ma'afu
18 Peter Kimlin
19 Stephen Hoiles
20 Joshua Holmes
21 Matt Toomua
22 Sanualio Afeaki
23 Ben Alexander