But the respected leader says he has not thought about the prospect of playing his last game in Canberra and will push aside a record-breaking milestone to focus on a play-off bid.

The Brumbies' championship hopes go on the line against the Western Force at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night with a bonus-point win guaranteeing they stay alive in the competition.

The crucial clash against the Force will double as Moore's 163rd Super Rugby appearance and he will pass close mate Nathan Sharpe as the most capped Australian player in the competition's history.

A loss could also mean it's Moore's last game as a Brumby as he prepares to link with the Queensland Reds for the next three years.

Those reasons led to Moore being given the job of presenting jerseys to his teammates at their last training session on Friday.

But the Wallabies skipper is focused on one job – making the finals – and says heartbreaking injuries to Tomane and Vaea will act as extra motivation.

Tomane was invited into the Brumbies change rooms two weeks ago to present jerseys to players and at that stage hoped to be back on the field for a finals charge.

But in a cruel end to his time in Canberra, Tomane had surgery to repair a fractured leg on Thursday night and has played his last game for the Brumbies, while a heart condition forced Vaea to retire in the middle of the season.

"When Ita had to retire, that hits home to you that he can never play again," Moore said.

"We've still got the opportunity to go out and do something with our footy. When that's taken away from you, you realise how important it is.

"For Joe, I know how much this club has meant to him in his time here. He's been a big contributor and it's sad for him to go out this way.

"But that's certainly motivation for our players – to go out there and make [Tomane and Vaea] proud about the Brumbies with what we can achieve this year."

The Brumbies go into the clash against the Force desperately needing to rebuild momentum after their horror loss to the Auckland Blues last weekend.

Moore said the Brumbies are prepared for a Force ambush and are ready for the challenge of playing against a team with nothing to lose.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has made just one change to his starting XV, promoting Ruan Smith to tighthead prop for his 50th game and moving Ben Alexander to the bench.

Moore's deal with the Reds will almost certainly see him become the most capped player in Super Rugby history.

He is level with former Reds and Wallabies teammate Sharpe and there are only two players above them – Keven Mealamu (175) and Wyatt Crockett (183) – on the list.

"It's nice to be able to be in that sort of company, Sharpey was there for my first game in 2003 and he's been a great help to me through my career," Moore said.

"I haven't thought about [it maybe being my last game for the Brumbies] and I think if you give that too much time then it might happen.

"You really need to think about being excited and being positive about the opportunity we've got to put in a good performance."

Larkham said: "I've got no doubt he'll be the highest capped Super Rugby player by the time he retires.

"He started when he was young and has been talented throughout his career, this year has probably been his best year. But every year he's been consistent ... he deserves it."

Moore and Matt Toomua are facing the prospect of playing their last games in Canberra if the Brumbies fail to advance to the finals.

David Pocock is not ready to return from a fractured eye socket but will be fit to play finals if the Brumbies book a spot while Tomane will join French club Montpellier at the end of the year.

Larkham said the nature of Pocock's injury meant he risked further damage if he was rushed back on to the field.

"We always have the players' best interest at front of the mind. He trained with the team this week and looked pretty confident out there," Larkham said.

"He still needs clearance from the surgeon, but if we get through hopefully we get [Pocock and Jordan Smiler] back if we get through."

SUPER RUGBY ROUND 17

Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Western Force at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.

Brumbies team: 15. Aidan Toua, 14. Nigel Ah Wong, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. Matt Toomua, 11. James Dargaville, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 9. Tomas Cubelli, 8 Michael Wells, 7. Jarrad Butler, 6. Scott Fardy, 5. Sam Carter, 4. Rory Arnold, 3. Ruan Smith, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Scott Sio. Reserves: 16. Josh Mann-Rea, 17. Allan Alaalatoa, 18. Ben Alexander, 19. Blake Enever, 20. Tom Staniforth, 21. Joe Powell, 22. Andrew Smith, 23. Lausii Taliauli.

Force team: 15. Dane Haylett-Petty, Marcel Brache, Ben Tapuai, 12. Kyle Godwin, 11. Luke Morahan, 10. Jono Lance, 9. Ian Prior. 8. Richard Hardwick, 7. Chris Alcock, 6. Brynard Stander, 5. Rory Walton, 4. Ross Haylett-Petty, 3. Guy Millar, 2. Harry Scoble, 1. Pek Cowan. Reserves: 16. Anaru Rangi, 17. Francois van Wyk, 18. Jermaine Ainsley, 19. Matt Philip, 20. Kane Koteka, 21. Ryan Louwrens, 22. Peter Grant, 23. Semisi Masirewa.