Brumbies captain Ben Mowen has been ruled out of this weekend’s Super Rugby clash against the Lions in Johannesburg after struggling with a neck complaint.

Mowen has come off the field in the past two matches nursing a sore neck, including Sunday’s 36-34 loss to the Bulls.

Coach Jake White said his skipper was potentially match-ready, but didn’t want to take the risk.

Stephen Moore will instead take up the captaincy reins for the game, leading a changed front-row which includes Ben Alexander at tighthead, replacing Dan Palmer, who has been rested.

It allows Ruaidhri Murphy his second run-on start for the season at loosehead, while Leon Power has also been recalled to the second row, pushing Sam Carter to the bench.

Peter Kimlin has moved in at blindside to account for Mowen’s absence, while Scott Sio has been promoted to the bench.

Brumbies: Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Andrew Smith, Pat McCabe, Joe Tomane, Christian Lealiifano, Nic White, Fotu Auelua, Michael Hooper, Peter Kimlin, Leon Power, Scott Fardy, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore (capt), Ruaidhri Murphy. Res: Anthony Hegarty, Scott Sio, Sam Carter, Ita Vaea, Ian Prior, Robbie Coleman, Tevita Kuridrani.