Brumbies openside Jarrad Butler learning under David Pocock

Butler will look to put the lessons from one of the world's premier exponents in the breakdown to good use in Friday night's match with the Blues at Canberra Stadium.

The 22-year-old only had a handful of Super Rugby caps to his name before he left the Queensland Reds in the off-season in search of greater opportunities with the Brumbies.

His rise to the starting side came earlier than expected following the season-ending knee injury to Pocock during the round-two victory against the Western Force in Perth.

Butler has done a solid job in the No.7 jersey in his absence and credits regular sessions with Pocock as being the key to speeding up his development.

"He's been really good, I get weekly reviews telling me what I did right and wrong,'' Butler said.

"Especially just the breakdown stuff and identifying rucks, he's one of the best in the world at it.

"To be able to talk to him about it has been invaluable.''

Brumbies' director of rugby Laurie Fisher and injured loose forward Fotu Auelua have also been giving Butler pointers.

"All the senior guys are really easy to talk to, if you have an issue you can go up to them and get their thoughts,'' Butler said.

''They're always keen to look at some footage they may have cut up.

''I'm happy to get the opportunity, but obviously the circumstances aren't the best.

''It's great to play with a guy like David at the start of the season because he's a huge asset to the team.''

Butler was born in Wellington, New Zealand, but moved to Queensland when he was 13.

His preferred position is No.8 and could be a long-term option at the Brumbies to succeed captain Ben Mowen, who will take up a contract in French rugby at the end of the season.

However, Butler is comfortable playing anywhere in the back row.

The Brumbies returned to training on Monday after the players were given the weekend off following their 32-24 loss to the Melbourne Rebels last Friday night.

It was just their second defeat from the first six games and ended a four-game winning streak that lifted them to the top of the Australian conference.

The Brumbies face a crucial fortnight before the bye, hosting the Blues before a rematch of their round-one loss to the Reds in Brisbane.

The Blues are second in the New Zealand conference and just one point behind the Brumbies overall.

"The Blues are a really strong team, and like all New Zealand teams they play that expansive brand of footy,'' Butler said.

"If we can do what we do best, which is put pressure on them, then I think we can get the result.''

Butler said he was relieved to have his first match against the Reds under his belt after having some mixed emotions taking on his former side.

"That was an interesting one,'' he said.

"It was nice to get it out of the way early and get the season going.''