Coach Stephen Larkham believes the Brumbies have the depth to cover star lock Sam Carter, who could miss the rest of the Super Rugby season with a knee injury.

The Wallaby left GIO Stadium on Friday night in a brace after copping a sickening knock to his leg in the first half of their 22-16 win over the Bulls.

Scans on Saturday are expected to reveal damage to his medial ligament, an injury likely to bring his year to a premature end.

“I imagine he won’t be playing next week,” said Larkham.

“Like any Test player, international player, it’s going to be a loss to your team.”

Larkham said the fact Carter had found some form in recent weeks after taking time off to mourn the death of his childhood friend Nicholas Tooth only added to the disappointment of his injury.

“He had a bit of a spell out of the game but I thought the last couple of weeks he’s really played exceptionally well,” he said.

“But I think we’re lucky we’ve got good experience in the second row with Blake Enever and Rory Arnold.

“I think those guys have gained enough experience throughout the year to be able to fill the shoes that Carts leaves.”

The Brumbies win over the Bulls – sealed with a double to winger Henry Speight – has provisionally put them atop the Australian conference, one point in front of the NSW Waratahs ahead of their clash with the Lions in Johannesburg on Sunday morning (AEST).

While a loss for the defending champions will boost the Brumbies’ chances of a finals berth, Larkham is focused on beating Western Force in Perth next Friday and the Crusaders at home the following week.

“There’s nothing we can do now,” he said.

“It’s at that stage of the season now where results are going to your way and maybe go against you.

“The only thing you can focus on is doing your job and winning next week.

“We got four points out of (last night), which is good. Next week we’ll be happy with a win and the following week we’ll be happy with a win as well.”

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke rated the Brumbies a “huge contender” for the 2015 title, claiming they’re the best defensive outfit in the competition.

“They score a lot of tries as well, so the balance is there,” he said.

“They’ve got big-match temperament, so when the big games come up like (last night) they know how to guts it out and play it smart, play field position, use the opportunities.”