Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has warned his side to expect Burger to recapture his world player of the year form on Saturday night, likening the hulking forward to Super Rugby's version of basketball royalty Michael Jordan.

Burger is playing in Australia for the first time since 2011 after two years battling injuries and illnesses, which threatened to end his career.

In fact, Burger was so ill when he contracted bacterial meningitis following surgery to drain a cyst near his spine, there were fears for the 68-Test Springbok's life.

The hard-nosed breakaway also missed the 2012 season with a knee injury.

So if Pat McCabe is the Brumbies' version of "Chuck Norris" after recovering from two broken necks, then Burger is the Stormers' version of "The Hulk".

"He's getting back to his best. A lot of the Stormers' play revolves around him," Larkham said.

"There's no doubt this weekend he'll be back at his top. He's one of those players similar to Michael Jordan in that he gives the guys around him confidence. Particularly when he's playing well.

"The first couple of games he was finding his feet ... there are a number of devastating ball runners in their forward pack and he is one of those."

The Brumbies are aiming for their fourth consecutive win as they build momentum.

The Stormers have won one game in Canberra in Super Rugby history, toppling the Brumbies in 2011.

Burger has been fighting his off-field battles since then, making a comeback this year, 10 years on from when he was crowned the world's best player.

The Brumbies are battling their own injury woes with a host of first-choice stars facing stints on the sideline.

Wallabies centre Christian Lealiifano will make his comeback from ankle surgery this weekend.

But instead of being rushed into Super Rugby, Lealiifano will play for the Tuggeranong Vikings in a trial match.

David Pocock, Fotu Auelua, Henry Speight and Clyde Rathbone are all unavailable while second-rower Leon Power is also expected to miss the game.

Wallabies winger Joseph Tomane will be injected for his first game since round one and is the perfect man to replace Speight, who will miss six weeks to recover from a broken jaw.

Brumbies skipper Ben Mowen said his side could cope with a "pretty big" injury hit, admitting it was the biggest injury list in his three years at the club.

Mowen said a draining win against the NSW Waratahs last weekend was the perfect preparation for playing against the Stormers.

"You have to show up physically against South African sides, especially when Burger is playing," Mowen said.

"Burger is only a game or two away from being at the peak of his powers ... fingers crossed we can keep him quiet for the night.

"This is a great challenge for us as a group because if we can get through these [nine games] to start the season then the guys with niggles will come back when it really counts."