David Pocock will make his return to the Brumbies side this weekend, but it's just the tip of the iceberg of changes.
Pocock, who has served a two-match suspension for grabbing the neck of Chiefs number eight Michael Leitch, forces Jarrad Butler to the number eight spot.
Brumbies co-captain Stephen Moore will miss the match after corking his calf in the Brumbies' loss to the Crusaders last weekend, giving Josh Mann-Rea a starting opportunity.
Winger Joe Tomane (knee) has been replaced by Nigel ah Wong in the starting side, giving rookie James Dargaville a spot on the bench.
Allan Alaalatoa has forced his way into the starting side, with incumbent Wallabies loosehead Scott Sio back to the bench for the Highlanders clash, while tighthead Ben Alexander will miss the match with the franchise managing his workload, replaced by Ruan Smith in his first start of the season.
Young lock Tom Staniforth has forced his way into the starting side as well, pushing Rory Arnold to the pine, while fellow second rower Blake Enever will return from injury off the bench.
The Brumbies take on the Highalnders in Invercargill at 3:15pm AEST Saturday, LIVE on FOXSPORTS.
1. Allan Alaalatoa
2. Josh Mann-Rea
3. Ruan Smith
4. Tom Staniforth
5. Sam Carter
6. Scott Fardy
7. David Pocock
8. Jarrad Butler
9. Tomás Cubelli
10. Christian Lealiifano (c)
11. Robbie Coleman
12. Matt Toomua
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Nigel Ah Wong
15. Aidan Toua
Reserves
16. Robbie Abel
17. Scott Sio
18. Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin
19. Rory Arnold
20. Blake Enever
21. Jordan Smiler
22. Joe Powell
James Dargaville
