Bayley Kuenzle and Will Miller in as ACT Brumbies make changes for Super Rugby AU clash

But make no mistake about it, ACT Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has "picked a side that can go down there and beat Melbourne".

Bayley Kuenzle headlines a raft of changes to the Brumbies' 23-man squad to face the Melbourne Rebels in a round nine Super Rugby AU clash on Sunday afternoon.

Kuenzle impressed when given a chance at flyhalf last year, steering the Brumbies to a minor premiership, and now gets his first taste in the No. 12 jersey with Irae Simone out injured.

The Brumbies have already locked up a home qualifying final leading into their final match of the regular season, with McKellar making changes to cover injuries and rotate key stars.

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No. 8 Pete Samu, flanker Tom Cusack and inside centre Simone are all missing with injuries, with McKellar hoping to have the key trio back for the finals which begin in a fortnight.

Their absence sees Rob Valetini shift to the back of the scrum, while James Tucker and Rory Scott start as the flankers, with Kuenzle propelled into the starting XV at inside centre.

Scott Sio will start at prop while James Slipper shuffles back to the bench, while Ryan Lonergan comes into the starting team with scrumhalf Nic White to come from the pine.

Tom Ross returns from injury on the bench, while Miller is poised to make his comeback after coming out of retirement to answer an SOS.

"The milkman is back. Really pleased for Will, his life has turned upside down the past couple of weeks but he's farm-fit and ready to go," McKellar said of dairy farmer Miller.

"[Kuenzle] was very good in pre-season and unfortunately picked up an injury just before round one. He was pushing to start at the beginning of the year.

"He can certainly do a very good job for us at 10 as he did last year, but 12 is his preferred position so I'm pleased to see him get a chance this week.

"We're going down there to win and make sure we're creating momentum. It's a chance to rotate a couple of players, it's nothing we don't do any [other] week to be honest.

"We'll finish second on the ladder, we'll host the semi-final, but we've picked a side that can go down there and beat Melbourne.

"With managing players and understanding we've got a heavy workload ahead of us, that all comes into it, which is why Whitey and Slips will get a spell this week.

"You've got to manage your group, fortunately we've got good depth. We're just worried about a good performance against Melbourne, making sure we win a semi-final at home, and dealing with this competition first."

The Rebels are desperate for a win to keep themselves in pole position for third place, with the fourth-placed Western Force facing the winless NSW Waratahs on Saturday night.

McKellar says line speed will be crucial for the Brumbies as they look to contain Rebels skipper Matt To'omua and devastating winger Marika Koroibete.

"They'll be hard on ball, they've got a world class winger there, a good 10 and captain who will direct them around the park," McKellar said.

"Our focus has been on us to be honest, it's been a shorter week with Wallaby camp."

The bulk of those who missed McKellar's squad will suit up for their clubs in the John I Dent Cup, which kicks off on Saturday.

"Players have got to play, there is only so much you can learn and do on the field [at training]," McKellar said.

"I'm really pleased there is a number of guys who will roll out for their clubs this week, which is good for us and really good for the local competition."

SUPER RUGBY AU ROUND NINE

Sunday: Melbourne Rebels v ACT Brumbies at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, 2pm. Broadcast: Live on Stan Sport.

ACT Brumbies team: 1. Scott Sio, 2. Folau Fainga'a, 3. Allan Alaalatoa (c), 4. Darcy Swain, 5. Cadeyrn Neville, 6. James Tucker, 7. Rory Scott, 8. Rob Valetini, 9. Ryan Lonergan, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Tom Wright, 12. Bayley Kuenzle, 13. Len Ikitau, 14. Andy Muirhead, 15. Tom Banks. Replacements: 16. Lachlan Lonergan, 17. James Slipper, 18. Tom Ross, 19. Nick Frost, 20. Will Miller, 21. Nic White, 22. Reesjan Pasitoa, 23. Mack Hansen.

Melbourne Rebels team: 1. Matt Gibbon, 2. James Hanson, 3. Pone Fa'amausili, 4. Robert Leota, 5. Trevor Hosea, 6. Joshua Kemeny, 7. Richard Hardwick, 8. Michael Wells, 9. Joe Powell, 10. Matt To'omua (c), 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Campbell Magnay, 13. Stacey Ili, 14. Frank Lomani, 15. Tom Pincus. Replacements: 16. Jordan Uelese, 17. Cabous Eloff, 18. Cameron Orr, 19. Lucio Sordoni, 20. Ross Haylett-Petty, 21. Isi Naisarani, 22. Brad Wilkin, 23. James Tuttle, 24. Lewis Holland, 25. Glen Vaihu.

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