Pek Cowan returns to the Western Force front-row © Getty Images

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Matches: Brumbies 16 - 25 Force

Tournaments/Tours: Super 14

Teams: Australia | Brumbies | Force

The Brumbies have been able to name the same squad for the third week running as they prepare to take on the Western Force at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.

The Brumbies had injury doubts over scrum-half Patrick Phibbs, Clyde Rathbone, Francis Fainifo and Stephen Hoiles but all have been passed fit to play.

"It's nice to be able to pick the same team for three weeks running," said Brumbies coach Andy Friend. "These guys have got the job done for the first two games, they're building combinations and building some momentum which is very important.

"We're growing into our season but it's attitude and character that gets you through these early stages and the guys have shown plenty of that. The side is improving across the board but we still have plenty of improvement left in us."

There is a different story for the Force, with coach John Mitchell changing five players as the seek to secure a second win of the tournament. Pek Cowan starts at loose-head prop after Gareth Hardy was ruled out with knee ligament damage and Tom Hockings gets his first start of the season in the second-row.

Matt Hodgson starts on the blindside flank in place of former Brumbies player Tamaiti Horua while there are also changes in the backs. James O'Connor move to the bench and Junior Pelesasa comes in at inside-centre. Wing Cameron Shepherd has been named to start but his fitness will be monitored as the week progresses.

"The Australian derby matches always have that bit of extra feeling no matter who it is that's playing, so we're looking forward to the challenge on the start of our southern tour," said Mitchell. "We've certainly gone for more mobility in the side, but again we are looking at getting the best out of our entire squad and have based selections on the best mix for the opposition."

Brumbies: Mark Gerrard; Clyde Rathbone, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stirling Mortlock, Francis Fainifo, Christian Lealiifano, Patrick Phibbs, Stephen Hoiles (capt), George Smith, Julian Salvi, Mark Chisholm, Ben Hand, Guy Shepherdson, Stephen Moore, Nic Henderson.

Replacements: John Ulugia, Ben Alexander, Sitaleki Timani, Peter Kimlin, Josh Holmes, Matt Toomua, Tyrone Smith

Force: Drew Mitchell, Cameron Shepherd, Ryan Cross, Junior Pelesasa, Nick Cummins, Matt Giteau, Josh Valentine, Richard Brown, David Pocock, Matt Hodgson, Nathan Sharpe (capt), Tom Hockings, Ben Castle, Tai McIsaac, Pek Cowan

Replacements: Luke Holmes, Kieran Longbottom, Richard Stanford, Tamaiti Horua, Chris O'Young, James O'Connor, Haig Sare