Rob Valetini set to return for Brumbies ahead of semi-final against Blues

Brumbies are set to receive a huge boost ahead of the semi-final clash of the Super Rugby Pacific against Auckland Blues with Rob Valetini likely to return.

Valetini missed the quarter-final game against Hurricanes after picking a hamstring injury during training but head coach Dan McKellar is confident of the 23-year-old returning for the must-win weekend's encounter.

"He was probably one of our best trainers on Thursday, which disappointed me but excited me at the same point in time," McKellar said.

"Honestly, with a hamstring, (you wonder) does he hold himself back ... but he was good."

Meanwhile, centre Len Ikitau is set to miss the upcoming fixture following his red-card incident in the previous match. Nevertheless, McKellar said the club would consider appealing against any suspension ruling from the disciplinary committee.

"We'll have a good look at the incident ... you're shattered for him, like most blokes that get red cards," he said.

"It's disappointing, but we'll see what strategy we take."

The last time Brumbies went on to win a Super Rugby title in 2004 even though they managed to win the Super Rugby AU in 2020. Even though they will be up against a formidable Auckland Blues side at Eden Park, McKellar is confident of his team's chances.

"We've been here before ... we had to go to Argentina a couple of years ago and play a semi over there, we go to Auckland really confident," he told reporters.

"We felt we should have won that game a couple of weeks ago, there's an enormous amount of respect for them.

"They've got threats across the park, we feel we've got the game that can challenge them and we'll prepare for that."