Pocock is the latest Brumbies vice-captain to be hit by the leadership injury curse, which has depleted the club's senior player stocks just three games into the season.

The Brumbies are waiting on scan results after Pocock reinjured his left knee 12 months after having a reconstruction. His absence means the Brumbies have just two fit players - captain Ben Mowen and Stephen Moore - from their six-man leadership group.

Pocock's recovery time is unknown, Christian Lealiifano is expected to be back this month, Fotu Auelua isn't due back from a knee injury until round 12 and Clyde Rathbone is coming back from illness.

But prop Ben Alexander, a veteran of 83 Super Rugby games and 62 Tests, said the Brumbies had the depth to cover for their clash against the Hurricanes in New Zealand on Friday night.

''We've just got to keep moving on, we've got to play well and lead by example,'' Alexander said.

''It's not ideal, [Pocock] is a world-class player. We've got to continue with business as usual.

''If you want to have any aspirations, you've got to win these big games away. It's unfortunate for David, but we have to get on with it.''

The Brumbies got their first win of the season against the Western Force last weekend. However, the victory came at a cost with Pocock limping off with 10 minutes to go and Pat McCabe suffering muscle damage in his neck.

The injuries will force a forward-pack shuffle for the Brumbies with Queensland recruit Jarrad Butler set to take over Pocock's open-side flanker duties. Lock Leon Power could also be injected to the starting XV while Lachlan McCaffrey and Jordan Smiler will be pushing for inclusion.

The Brumbies have won three of their past four games in New Zealand. They broke a nine-year drought in Wellington on their last trip to play the Hurricanes in 2012 and they're intent on adding to their impressive recent record across the Tasman.

Pocock will leave a massive hole at the breakdown. The 25-year-old is regarded as one of the world's best No.7s when he's fit, but scrumhalf Nic White backed the Brumbies to fill his shoes.

''The mindset [at the breakdown] has changed,'' White said. ''The ball was a lot quicker against the Force and the breakdown was sharp and quick.

''It's not just Poey, he doesn't run to every breakdown and make it quick for myself. It's everyone out there … Scotty Sio was impressive on the weekend. Even a skinny fullback like [Jesse Mogg] got a turnover last weekend.''

■ FRIDAY

Super Rugby, round four: Wellington Hurricanes v ACT Brumbies, at Westpac Stadium, 5.35pm. TV: Live on Fox Sports 2.