ACT Brumbies Matt Toomua comfortable playing a double act as five-eighth door opens

Toomua has rocketed back into Wallabies five-eighth contention with news that Cooper is out of action for the next two months with a new shoulder injury.

Cooper has played just two games this year and his limited preparation could hinder his World Cup hopes.

NSW Waratahs Bernard Foley is the incumbent Test five-eighth, but Toomua is confident he can juggle two jobs if coach Michael Cheika continues to pick him at inside centre.

Toomua has been the Brumbies' first-choice pivot for the past three years, but has shifted to inside centre for international duties.

"I'd like to think I can play both positions at international level," Toomua said.

"It gets a bit difficult swapping from No. 10 to 12, there are a few things that I'm getting used to even now.

"I was shattered for Quade when he got injured, but it could potentially open a door up there. It doesn't bother me if I'm No. 10 or 12, I'm just happy if I'm in the starting XV.

"The first time I played inside centre was in a Test in [2013], before that it was in under-11s. But now you realise it's not a huge difference in the system that we play, that makes it easier."

Toomua's first job is leading the Brumbies attack into a clash against the Auckland Blues at Eden Park on Friday night.

The Brumbies have scored the most tries of any Australian team this year, but their attack has come under fire after missing at least seven clear chances to get across the line against the Free State Cheetahs last weekend.

New Zealand critics have also questioned the Brumbies' title credentials after failing to claim a big scalp this year.

But Toomua said the Brumbies were content with their form, which has delivered five wins from seven games, and their attack would take another step forward against the Blues.

"I think we were a bit over eager last week [against the Cheetahs], we just have to stay in our system and get reward," Toomua said.

"We are travelling along ... we're not coming out and saying we're going to win the competition. We're dealing with the draw we've been dealt and it would be concerning if we lost those games."

The Brumbies have made just one change to their game-day 23-man squad, with back-up prop Jean-Pierre Smith returning to the bench to replace Allan Alaalatoa.

The Blues have lost their first seven games of the Super Rugby season, but hope their return to Eden Park will breathe new life into their campaign.

Brumbies captain Stephen Moore urged the team to "keep the faith" in their attacking systems and warned the players not to underestimate the Blues.

"The way we are attacking is creating chances so we've got to keep the faith and stick to that as well as being a bit better at the end," Moore said.

"The Blues are a good side, they're just on one of those runs where they haven't been able to crack a win. We know they're dangerous and we won't look at their record as any opportunity. It will be tough."

SUPER RUGBY ROUND NINE

Friday: Auckland Blues v ACT Brumbies at Eden Park, 5.30pm (AEST). TV time: Live on Fox Sports 2.

Brumbies team: 15. Robbie Coleman, 14. Joseph Tomane, 13. Henry Speight, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 11. James Dargaville, 10. Matt Toomua, 9. Nic White, 8. Jarrad Butler, 7. David Pocock, 6. Scott Fardy, 5. Sam Carter, 4. Blake Enever, 3. Ben Alexander, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Scott Sio. Reserves: 16. Josh Mann-Rea, 17. Jean-Pierre Smith, 18. Ruan Smith, 19. Jordan Smiler, 20. Ita Vaea, 21. Michael Dowsett, 22. Lausii Taliauli, 23. Nigel Ah Wong.

Blues team: 15. Charles Piutau, 14. Frank Halai, 13. Pita Ahki, 12. George Moala, 11. Melani Nanai, 10. Dan Bowden, 9. Jamison Gibson-Park, 8. Jerome Kaino, 7. Brendon O'Connor, 6. Luke Braid, 5. Patrick Tuipulotu, 4. Josh Bekhuis, 3. Charlie Faumuina, 2. James Parsons, 1. Ofa Tu'ungafasi. Reserves: 16. Keven Mealamu, 17. Sam Prattley, 18. Angus Ta'avao, 19. Hayden Triggs, 20. Steven Luatua, 21. Jamie Booth, 22. Ihaia West, 23. Francis Saili.