Noah Lolesio will be missing in the number 10 jersey for the second week in a row, as the ankle injury he picked up against the Reds back in round five is still not fully healed.

The side's Wallabies flyhalf, and kicker, provided crucial points in the Brumbies' 16-12 win at Canberra Stadium two weeks ago.

McKellar was not worried about his absence though.

"He was a chance, but he's not right. Rod Iona played really well last week, so we weren't going to throw Noah out there into a high-intensity game, a big game, not close to 100 per cent," the coach confirmed.

"Our plan will be to get him right for next week and we'll make that decision next week."

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The side will be boosted by the return to the park for skipper Allan Alaalatoa, alongside James Slipper and Folau Fainga'a back in the starting-15 after missing the Brumbies one point win against Western Force in round six.

The three front rowers were rested and avoided the big trip to Perth, but are ready to get back into things this week.

"They've had a good few days back in Canberra, working hard and managed to avoid what's a pretty big trip over to Perth. So it's their turn this week and they were to front up, as [Scott] Sio and [Lachlan] Lonergan and Sef [Sefo Kautai] did last week I thought they were outstanding our front row last week. So it's important the boys, Slips [Slipper] and Allan [Alaalatoa] and Folau [Fainga'a], really lead the way up front," McKellar said.

"[It will be] a big scrum game. The key is, hopefully, this week, as compared to a couple of weeks ago, is that we get to play some footy."

Nic White will look to make an impact off the bench following his absence from the squad last week, as he eases back into game time and juggles life as a father of his third child, a newborn boy.

Ryan Lonergan will step into scrumhalf duties for the second week in a row, earning praise for his performance against the Force.

But McKellar wants to see White make an impact off the bench, as the Brumbies look to continue their fairytale undefeated start to the season by cleaning up their dying stages play.

"Whitey's had a significant milestone and a great one for him and Mel and the boys," the 45-year-old said.

"There's three boys in and amongst the White family now, so all will no doubt take after the old man and be full of energy.

"So I want to see him come off the bench this week and finish the game for us. Having his experience and leadership in that last 30 will be important.

"There's a little bit of tactical planning in and around it, and how our finishing group looks."

Banks was unsurprisingly left off the squad list after fracturing his cheekbone, with Jesse Mogg ready to step in and fill his shoes.

Despite the change, McKellar again instilled confidence in the side's replacement.

"Not a whole lot changes," he said.

"Both have good speed. Both can challenge and stress any defensive line. So there's similarities there but we won't go changing a whole lot just around who's wearing number 15."

McKellar provided hope to Brumbies fans when he confirmed the fullback would likely only miss two-three games due to injury.

There were fears his fracture cheekbone from a clash against the Western Force could have left him out for months, not weeks.

"It was minor surgery in the end, which is pleasing for Tommy," he said.

"So he's looking at about a month, all going well. He won't miss a whole lot of training, just needs to reduce his contact loads over the next couple of weeks and then Highlanders/Hurricanes [he should be back].

The doctor [said] if it was a little bit closer ... to the brain, then we could be talking months, not weeks."

Former rugby seven's player Cam Clark has also earnt his debut call up, and it was confirmed he would have been called upon earlier if he had not suffered a head knock a couple of weeks ago.

SUPER RUGBY ROUND SEVEN

Saturday: Queensland Reds v ACT Brumbies in Brisbane, 7.45pm.

Brumbies team: 1. James Slipper, 2. Folau Fainga'a, 3. Allan Alaalatoa (c), 4. Darcy Swain, 5. Nick Frost, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Jahrome Brown, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Ryan Lonergan, 10. Rod Iona, 11. Andy Muirhead, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Len Ikitau, 14. Tom Wright, 15. Jesse Mogg

Reserves: 16. Lachlan Lonergan, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Sefo Kautai, 19. Tom Hooper, 20. Ed Kennedy, 21. Nic White, 22. Hudson Creighton, 23. Cam Clark.

Reds team: 1. Harry Hoopert, 2. Josh Nasser, 3. Taniela Tupou, 4. Ryan Smith, 5. Angus Blyth, 6. Liam Wright (co-c), 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Tate McDermott (co-c), 10. James O'Connor, 11. Filipo Daugunu, 12. Hamish Stewart, 13. Hunter Paisami, 14. Josh Flook, 15. Jordan Petaia

Reserves: 16. Richie Asiata, 17. Feao Fotuaika, 18. Zane Nonggorr, 19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20. Tuaina Taii Tualima, 21. Kalani Thomas, 22. Isaac Henry, 23. Lawson Creighton