Rugby: Ashley-Cooper shunted to the wing

Adam Ashley Cooper. Photo / Getty Images

Wallabies star Adam Ashley-Cooper has been shunted to the wing with Matt Toomua to play fullback as the Brumbies attempt to get their Super Rugby season back on track against the Highlanders on Friday night.

Versatile Ashley-Cooper, who has announced he's joining the NSW Waratahs next year, will be filling his third position this season in the Invercargill match.

He played fullback last week in the narrow loss the Warartahs and outside centre for earlier matches, where he struggled to make his usual impact.

The Brumbies have struggled to a 1-4 record, their worst start to a season.

Toomua, normally a five-eighth, comes from the bench for his first start of the season and gets a chance to prove himself at No.15.

Winger Francis Fainifo is the man to make way for Ashley-Cooper, and goes to the bench against the Highlanders, who are placed third in the New Zealand conference.

In other changes, Salesi Ma'afu gets his first start at tighthead prop with Dan Palmer moving back to the bench.

Peter Kimlin moves into the starting team as blindside flanker in place of rookie Colby Faingaa, who has re-signed with the Brumbies for another two years.

Brumbies team: Matt Toomua, Henry Speight, Andrew Smith, Christian Lealiifano, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Giteau, Josh Valentine, Ita Vaea, Julian Salvi, Peter Kimlin, Mark Chisholm, Ben Hand, Salesi Maafu, Huia Edmonds, Ben Alexander. Reserves: Anthony Hegarty, Dan Palmer, Colby Faingaa, Michael Hooper, Patrick Phibbs, Tyrone Smith, Franky Fainifo.

- AAP