The ACT Brumbies are hopeful they won't pay the price for having a star-studded squad with four players likely to be invited to play for the Barbarians against New Zealand next month.
And with the possibility of a high-profile player being injured just two months before the Super14 kick-off, the Brumbies have asked the Barbarians to provide ''injury insurance''.
An invitational Barbarians side will clash with New Zealand at Twickenham on December 5.
ACT recruits Matt Giteau and Rocky Elsom have accepted offers to join the Barbarians and The Canberra Times understands George Smith and Stephen Moore are also likely to play.
The game will signal the end of the Wallabies' European spring tour, but the NSW Waratahs know how costly the friendly match can be.
NSW props Matt Dunning and Sekope Kepu missed the majority of the 2009 Super14 season after being injured while playing for the Wallabies against the Barbarians in December last year.
The Barbarians made up of popular international stars are only supposed to include two players from each Super rugby or European club team.
However, with the Brumbies boasting one of the most talented lists in international rugby, the Barbarians are trying to add more ACT players to their list.
For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times
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