The Brumbies will put faith in two Super Rugby rookies to cover the loss of Wallabies star Moore, who is expected to be ruled out when the ACT names its team on Thursday.

Siliva Siliva and Josh Mann-Rea share just 18 Super Rugby caps between them as they step in to replace the 91-Test Moore.

Moore has been carrying a niggling injury in recent weeks and despite scans showing no structural damage, he has been given a week to recover from wear and tear.

The Brumbies have been coping with a growing injury toll over the past month.

The injury list already includes David Pocock, Fotu Auelua, Henry Speight, Scott Sio, Leon Power and Clyde Rathbone.

The Brumbies' front-row faces a massive challenge against the Blues.

Regular Blues skipper Keven Mealamu is out of action, but they boast Test props Tony Woodcock and 130-kilogram giant Charlie Faumuina.

Moore is expected to be fit in the coming weeks as the Brumbies continue their strong start to the Super Rugby season.

Almost two years after the Blues torpedoed the Brumbies' finals hopes with a last-round upset at Canberra Stadium, the Blues will return to try to ambush the Brumbies again. The loss still stings the Brumbies and the clash on Friday night will be the first time the teams have met in Canberra since.

"They touched us up two years ago and knocked us out of the finals," said Brumbies prop Ben Alexander.

"They've got some of the same big blokes that touched us up that day. It's going to be incredibly, incredibly tough against them again, but it should be an entertaining game.

"Any side can beat anyone in this comp and if you're not on your game you'll get beaten every time.

"The Blues have unbelievable attacking players. I think they have one of the highest points scored in the comp; they've got [former All Blacks coach] Sir Graham Henry and [coach] John Kirwan; they're dangerous."

The Brumbies suffered a shock loss to the Melbourne Rebels last weekend, with director of rugby Laurie Fisher admitting the side's "effort levels" were below par.

The Brumbies will finalise their team on Thursday for the clash against the Blues.

Wallabies centre Christian Lealiifano is expected to be given another week on the bench to ease his way back after ankle surgery.

Veteran winger Clyde Rathbone returned to training on Tuesday for the first time this season after battling back-to-back injuries, but won't play club rugby until at least next week.

"We've just got to lick the wounds from last week and turn up for a big performance," Fisher said.

"I think we're in a fantastic space for this game ... it was disappointing the effort levels weren't there last week. It's not ideal, but it can happen in a game.

"We prepare to win every week ... I haven't got time to foretell how many losses and wins it will take to make the finals, it's irrelevant."