respectively, trailing the 11th-placed Waratahs, who have a bye in the opening round.

The match between the Brumbies and Reds might help determine which Australian team will most strongly challenge for the Super Rugby crown this season.

The mystery of whether the Waratahs will improve enough under new head coach Michael Chieka to challenge those teams in the Australian conference will not be addressed until they play the Reds in their opening match on Feb. 22.

Comparisons between Australian teams and those in other conferences won't begin until round three when the Reds play the Hurricanes.

The first round should at least shed light on the progress the Australian teams have made since last season when the Reds were laid low by injuries after winning the title in 2011

Last year the Brumbiesimproved under South African coach Jake Whit ebut the Rebels and Force were never on the pace.

The Brumbies ended their 2012 season with a surprise loss to the struggling Blues which was enough to exclude them from the playoffs.

Wallabies flanker and former captain David Pocock will make his debut for the Brumbies on Saturday, adding to the team's experience and leadership.

"He's had a huge role in the direction of the team already," Mowen said.

Prop James Slipper will captain the Reds in the absence of James Horwill and Will Genia, both still recovering from injuries.

"We have a lot of leaders at the Reds and I'd like to think we are all on an equal plane," Slipper said. "Most of the decisions will make themselves.

Former Wales international Gareth Delve will