In a selection shock, Shepherdson was sent back to the Brumby Runners, with Friend instead opting for the uncapped Jerry Yanuyanutawa as his reserve prop.

In another selection drama outside centre Stirling Mortlock was left out of the squad, which will travel to New Zealand this morning.

Mortlock failed to overcome a shoulder injury, which he suffered against the Durban Sharks last weekend.

His absence gives Tyrone Smith the chance to prove himself in the No13 jersey.

A strong performance from Smith could result in him holding on to the position in coming weeks ahead of Mortlock, who has copped criticism for his form this season.

Smith's elevation into the starting team has paved the way for utility player Andrew Smith to make his Super 14 debut off the bench.

Andrew Smith is held in high regard by Brumbies coaches and would more than likely have made his debut earlier than this weekend, only for a run of pre-season injuries.

Brumbies coach Andy Friend admitted the decision to drop Shepherdson was a tough one to make but believed it was in the player's best interests.

Shepherdson's future with the club was placed in doubt earlier this week when the Brumbies announced the signing of 21-year-old NSW Waratahs prop Dan Palmer.

Shepherdson has a clause in his contract that states he can leave at the end of the year if he chooses.

Friend backed the veteran to fight his way back into selection contention in the near future.

BRUMBIES

15. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14. Pat McCabe, 13. Tyrone Smith, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Francis Fainifo, 10. Matt Giteau, 9. Josh Valentine, 8. Stephen Hoiles, 7. George Smith, 6. Rocky Elsom, 5. Mark Chisholm, 4. Ben Hand, 3. Salesi Ma'afu, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Ben Alexander. Reserves: Huia Edmonds, Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Justin Harrison, Mitchell Chapman, Patrick Phibbs, Matt Toomua, Andrew Smith.

For more on this story, see the print edition of today's Canberra Times.