'It's the right time': McKellar makes big back-row change for NZ clash

The Brumbies flew to Palmerston North on Wednesday and will be chasing their first win across the Tasman in five years when they play the Wellington Hurricanes on Friday.

Two-time Super Rugby champion Samu earns his first Brumbies start after being a caged bull in the opening rounds, while Sam Carter has been left in Canberra to recover from a cork.

Pocock is back from concussion, Blake Enever replaces Carter in the second row, Darcy Swain joins the bench for just his second game and the back line will be unchanged after racking up 54 points last week.

McKellar said it was the right time to inject Samu, who joined the Brumbies this season after winning two titles with the Canterbury Crusaders.

The 27-year-old adds a winning record in New Zealand and a dynamic edge to the back row, which has already been bolstered by the return  of Pocock.

Samu won a remarkable 29 Super Rugby games in a row before the Brumbies' round-one loss this season.

The chance to play for the Wallabies lured him back to Australia at the end of last year and now the Brumbies will turn to him to breakthrough for their first win across the Tasman since 2014.

"He's knew to the club and got a bit of time in our trial game, but didn't play a huge amount of time. I just thought he's slotted in nicely, he's given us really good impact," McKellar said.

"He's due for a start and we're fortunate to have some real quality we can call on there to rotate and keep guys fresh.

"And with Poey, we just want to see him put some games together now. He hasn't played a whole lot of footy, so it will take him a bit of time around timing [at the breakdown].

"But as we've seen in the past, it doesn't take him long. He's a world-class player and just his presence in the dressing sheds is a real confidence booster for our group. He's a huge boost for us and obviously a threat for the opposition."

The Brumbies will also start their front-row rotation for the first time, with Scott Sio getting his first start of the year and James Slipper shifting to the bench.

"I thought Scotty's impact last weekend was excellent ... you've got two quality loosehead props there and that's why your comfortable making the rotation," McKellar said.

Rob Valetini will miss the game, while Tom Cusack has forced his way on to the bench despite the return of Pocock.

Carter has a cork and is expected to be fit to play against the Melbourne Rebels next week, but McKellar opted for the fit duo of two-Test Wallaby Enever and Swain to avoid using banged-up bodies.

"Instead of Carts battling through a training week, it's nice to call on Blake and Darcy is developing and is the future [in the second row]," McKellar said.

"[Enever] is an excellent lineout operator, a high work-rate and you know what you're going to get. He's very reliable and he's not rocks and diamonds - a very consistent performer."

McKellar is confident the changes won't have an impact on continuity after the Brumbies scored eight tries to thump the Waikato Chiefs last weekend.

The Hurricanes will be dealing with their one team changes, with two-time World Rugby player of the year Beauden Barrett expected to play his first game while brother Jordie has been rotated out as per an All Blacks resting program.

Back-rower Gareth Evans has been ruled out, but flanker Ardie Savea and Vaea Fifita are both back after missing last weekend's loss against the Crusaders.

SUPER RUGBY ROUND THREE

Friday: Wellington Hurricanes v ACT Brumbies at Palmerston North, 5.35pm. TV time: Live on Fox Sports.

Brumbies: 1. Scott Sio, 2. Folau Faingaa, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Rory Arnold, 5. Blake Enever, 6. Pete Samu, 7. David Pocock, 8. Lachlan McCaffrey, 9. Joe Powell, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Andy Muirhead, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Chance Peni, 15. Tom Banks. Reserves: 16. Josh Mann-Rea, 17. James Slipper, 18. Les Leuluaialii-Makin, 19. Darcy Swain, 20. Tom Cusack, 21. Matt Lucas, 22. Wharenui Hawera, 23. Tom Wright.