But while scrumhalf Nic White will play against the Bulls on Saturday night, star fullback Jesse Mogg is on the sideline for at least one more week as he recovers from a shoulder injury.

White has not been afraid to make changes to his starting line-up this year with specific plans to take on different oppositions.

Test prop Ben Alexander returns to the starting front row while South African giant Etienne Oosthuizen will make his Brumbies debut at lock.

Scott Fardy will join Oosthuizen in the second row with Peter Kimlin moving back to blindside flanker and captain Ben Mowen returning to the back of the scrum.

Powerhouse Samoan Fotu Auelua will start from the bench.

Nic White reclaims the No 9 jersey and Ian Prior moves back to the bench and Robbie Coleman gets another crack at fullback in Mogg’s absence.

The Brumbies recruited Oosthuizen on a two-year deal after Jake White spotted him playing in the Currie Cup in South Africa.

The 20 year old is 120 kilograms and 198 centimetres.

He played three Super Rugby games for the Johannesburg Lions last year, but the clash with the Bulls will be his first opportunity in a starting XV.

‘‘I’m pretty nervous, but I’ve been in this system for six months and I know everything that’s going on,’’ Oosthuizen told canberratimes.com.au.

‘‘It’s just nerves, being young and playing at this level. I’m looking forward to it, you only get one chance to make a statement and when you get it you have to use it.

‘‘I love being in Canberra, this is where I see is best for my rugby and I’m excited for the chance over here.’’

The Brumbies suffered their first loss of the season last weekend when they stumbled in Cape Town against the Stormers.

However, they still sit at the top of the ladder and a win will extend their lead at the top of the Australian conference.

The Bulls have only won one game in Canberra in Super Rugby history - a 19-7 triumph in 2007.

The Brumbies are playing their first game back in the capital since returning from their two-game tour of South Africa.

But jet lag won’t be used as an excuse. The club has lost just once since 2006 in its first game at home after a South African trip.

ACT BRUMBIES v PRETORIA BULLS at Canberra Stadium, Saturday 7.40pm

Head-to-head: Played 16, Brumbies 9, Bulls 7

Last meeting: Round 9 2012 - Bulls 36 bt Brumbies 34 at Loftus Versfeld

In Canberra: Played 7, Brumbies 6, Bulls 1

Referee: Jonathon White (NZL)

TV time: Live, FoxSports 2

BRUMBIES: 1. Ben Alexander, 2. Stephen Moore, 3. Dan Palmer, 4. Scott Fardy, 5. Etienne Oosthuizen, 6. Peter Kimlin, 7. George Smith, 8. Ben Mowen, 9. Nic White, 10. Matt Toomua, 11. Joseph Tomane, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Henry Speight, 15. Robbie Coleman. Reserves: 16. Siliva Siliva, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Fotu Auelua, 19. Colby Faingaa, 20. Ian Prior, 21. Andrew Smith, 22. Clyde Rathbone

BULLS: 1. Morne Mellett, 2. Chiliboy Ralepelle, 3. Werner Kruger, 4. Paul Willemse, 5. Juandre Kruger, 6. Deon Stegmann, 7. Dewald Potgieter, 8. Pierre Spies, 9. Jano Vermaak, 10. Morne Steyn, 11. Jurgen Visser, 12. Jan Serfontein, 13. JJ Engelbrecht, 14. Lionel Mapoe, 15. Zane Kirchner. Reserves: 16. Willie Wepener, 17. Frik Kirsten, 18. Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19. Arno Botha, 20. Ruan Snyman, 21. Louis Fouché, 22. Francois Venter