Ben a pain in the neck for Brumbies

Injuries are threatening to trip the Brumbies up ahead of their must-win Super Rugby Round 16 encounter with the Rebels on Saturday.

Wallaby prop Ben Alexander may sit out, or perhaps only play off the bench, as a result of a neck injury, while wing Robbie Coleman is struggling with a virus and also a doubtful starter for the Canberra outing.

The Brumbies – currently just outside the play-off zone after losing both their matches on their just completed South African tour – need to beat the Rebels this week, before going into the June break and then comer back to face the Waratahs in Sydney and the Western Force in Canberra.

Losing two key players certainly won't help their cause.

Brumbies Director of Rugby Laurie Fisher told the Canberra Times that the veteran prop, Alexander, had a recurring neck problem.

And Coleman was struggling with a virus.

Fisher said Alexander had been troubled by his neck off and on over the past two years, but said it was "nothing too sinister" and the franchise was simply looking to manage his load going into the business end of the season – which includes the Wallabies' three-Test series against France.

With Allan Alaalatoa playing for Australia at the under-20 world championship, the Brumbies have just two tighthead props left in their squad.

Fisher might opt to give Ruan Smith a start and bring Alexander off the bench.

Coleman fell ill on the flight back from South Africa after having a chest infection last week.

The Brumbies flyer was sent home from training on Tuesday and Fisher said they'd wait to see how he was on Thursday, but he might not be worth risking in such a crucial game.

Versatile Pat McCabe is one option, while Clyde Rathbone (hamstring) has returned to fitness and could also come into the side.

Fullback Jesse Mogg can also play wing.