Lock Sam Carter and halfback Nic White have returned to the starting 15 for the Brumbies’ Super Rugby clash against the unbeaten Highlanders at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.

Carter will resume his place in the starting squad in favour of Scott Fardy, who has been relegated to the bench despite a solid performance in the Brumbies’ narrow 29-22 loss to the Chiefs last weekend.

White, who has been battling a persistent cold for the past few weeks, takes over at scrumhalf from Ian Prior.

The Brumbies need to win if they’re to remain undefeated at home, but face their biggest challenge yet against the surprise ladder leaders, who have won four from four matches.

But if history counts for anything, the Highlanders could very well find it tough at Canberra Stadium, where they’ve won just twice – the last time in 2006.

The Brumbies’ Fijian-born outside centre Tevita Kuridrani is in line to make his Super Rugby debut after being named in the reserves.

Brumbies: Jesse Mogg, Joe Tomane, Andrew Smith, Pat McCabe, Henry Speight, Christian Lealiifano, Nic White, Ben Mowen (capt), Michael Hooper, Peter Kimlin, Sam Carter, Leon Power, Dan Palmer, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander. Reserves: Anthony Hegarty, Ruaidhri Murphy, Scott Fardy, Ita Vaea, Ian Prior, Zack Holmes, Tevita Kuridrani.