Brumbies coach Dan McKellar is unsure if he will welcome key forwards David Pocock and Lachlan McCaffrey back into the fray for their clash with the Auckland Blues next week.

Both made the trip overseas before being sent home after it became clear neither would be fit for either game.

As question marks hover over their fitness for a crucial stretch of home games, the spotlight shines bright on those left in the pack.

There is no shortage of talent up front in Scott Sio, Allan Ala'alatoa, Folau Fainga'a and James Slipper.

Throw Sam Carter, Pete Samu and Tom Cusack into the fold and this is a pack good enough to stand up to most - and they will need to as they look to revive their finals hopes.

McKellar saw enough in a heartbreaking loss in Argentina to feel confident his side can rise to the occasion even without Pocock (calf) and McCaffrey (knee).

"Their resilience, which is a pillar of this club, has been enormous over the past couple of weeks," McKellar said.

"The boys in the forwards were enormous. Our physicality in the first 20 minutes probably wasn't at our level but then that changed, especially after half-time, it was a tough game.

"I've just spoken to a couple of their players as well, and there are some sore bodies out of it. I'm proud of the effort but understand we've got to execute a little bit better in attack."

The Brumbies will sign a new hooker after Josh Mann-Rea suffered a knee injury that has cast doubt over the future of Super Rugby's oldest player.

Connal McInerney has been elevated to the match day squad behind Fainga'a as Mann-Rea awaits further scans to determine the extent of the injury.

"It's not looking great. I've spoken to him via message, just making sure he is okay and checking in," McKellar said.

"He is a good mate of ours and we want to look after him. He understands injuries are a part of playing professional rugby, and unfortunately he has had his share of them in recent times.

"We'll get around him and make sure he has got some support from the Brumbies family."