Brumbies captain Ben Mowen has been ruled out of this weekend's Super Rugby clash with the Lions in Johannesburg, after nursing a neck injury that has affected him in the last two matches.

Coach Jake White did not want to take the risk and field Mowen for Friday night's encounter and thus Stephen Moore will take up the role of captain.

Changes to the front row see Ben Alexander start at tighthead, replacing Dan Palmer, who has been rested. Ruaidhri Murphy has earned his second run-on start at loosehead.

Leon Power has been recalled to the second row as Sam Carter drops to the bench. Peter Kimlin has shifted to blindside in Mowen's absence, while Scott Sio provides cover on the wood.

Brumbies:

15. Jesse Mogg, 14. Henry Speight, 13. Andrew Smith, 12. Pat McCabe, 11. Joe Tomane, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 9. Nic White, 8. Fotu Auelua, 7. Michael Hooper, 6. Peter Kimlin, 5. Leon Power, 4. Scott Fardy, 3. Ben Alexander, 2. Stephen Moore (c), 1. Ruaidhri Murphy.

Reserves: 16. Anthony Hegarty, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Sam Carter, 19. Ita Vaea, 20. Ian Prior, 21. Robbie Coleman, 22. Tevita Kuridrani.