Wallabies veteran James Slipper replaces Scott Sio at loosehead prop, Will Miller earns his first start for sidelined No. 7 Tom Cusack (concussion) and lock Darcy Swain returns from injury.
Flanker Lachlan McCaffrey, prop Tom Ross and dynamic outside back Len Ikitau have all been named on the bench for their potential first games of the season.
The Brumbies are chasing an 11th straight win at Canberra Stadium when they host the Highlanders on Saturday night.
They are the only Australian team to win this season after two rounds and can finish the weekend on top of the table if results fall their way.
Brumbies: Tom Banks, Solomone Kata, Tevita Kuridrani, Irae Simone, Tom Wright, Noah Lolesio, Pete Samu, Will Miller, Murray Douglas, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa, Folau Faingaa, James Slipper. Res: Connal McInerney, Scott Sio, Tom Ross, Cadeyrn Neville, Lachlan McCaffrey, Ryan Lonergan, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead.