The Smith brothers will start their first professional match together as part of a team shake-up for the Brumbies' match against the Otago Highlanders at Canberra Stadium.

Ruan replaces 72-Test Wallabies veteran Ben Alexander, who has been rotated to the bench, while Jean-Pierre continues his mission to replace the injured Scott Sio.

They are using the opportunity to prop up the Brumbies' scrum and prove they can step up to take on more responsibility in a Wallabies-laden pack.

But they almost didn't have the opportunity after their involvement in a bar fight threatened to derail their careers.

The Smiths served their punishment, started rebuilding respect at the Brumbies and taught Ainslie Primary School kids how to read, write and build self-esteem.

And the lessons learnt from their mistake is driving the new Australian citizens to greater heights on the field.

"We almost lost our contract and to now get a chance to start together, it shows you how quickly a career can change," Ruan said.

"Everyone at the Brumbies stood behind us through those times. Especially looking back now, it was worth it. We're fortunate everyone stuck with us.

"This is our chance to repay. This is an opportunity, if I don't use it, it's my own fault. I've been on the bench, I have to play well. I'm really trying to make a statement and show that I can [start]."

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has brought in a host of changes to his team as it attempts to end a month of poor form.

Sam Carter is on leave to be at the funeral of childhood friend Nicholas Tooth, who died in a rugby match last weekend after a head injury.

Jordan Smiler and Blake Enever get their chance as the starting locks while Ita Vaea will start at No. 8 and Tevita Kuridrani and Jesse Mogg are back from shoulder injuries.

Robbie Coleman will shift from fullback to inside centre while Jarrad Butler and Rory Arnold will start on the bench.

Tighthead prop Alexander has been rotated to the bench to manage his workload, opening the door for the Smith twins to be just the second set of brothers to be in a Brumbies starting team.

Ruan has started just one match in his three years at the Brumbies and Jean-Pierre has had four opportunities.

They know they have to perform with limited chances as they work with Alexander and Sio to form combinations and compete for game time.

"On the performance of last week, I need to step it up. We were bad as a pack last week, but it comes down to me at the front of the scrum," Jean-Pierre said.

"Our main focus is just getting our set piece right. It's about not over-thinking things."

The brothers, housemates and best friends have formed a tag-team combination off the bench and now will test themselves against the Highlanders' big men.

"I've played 36 games with one start. It's been hard at times, but I've got a 70-Test Wallaby ahead of me, it won't get easier," Ruan said.

"It's pretty surreal to be starting together. If you start the game together, you work together to get into the game and get the feel of it. We've played our whole life together so that will help as well."

Interestingly, Alexander is off contract at the end of this season with the Brumbies and Wednesday's changes to the Australian Wallabies eligibility rules could entice him to move overseas.

Alexander, who has played 72 Tests for Australia, fits the new criteria which requires offshore Wallabies candidates to have given 60 Tests and seven years service to Australian rugby.

The Brumbies will pay their respects to Australian defence forces in the Anzac Day-eve clash by wearing a special jersey to commemorate the Australia-New Zealand match.

The Brumbies jersey will feature poppies on the shoulders and sides, with a camouflage print and the Soldier On logo, a charity raising money for physically and psychologically wounded soldiers, for the contest on Friday night.

Friday: ACT Brumbies v Otago Highlanders at Canberra Stadium, 7.40pm. TV time: Live on Fox Sports 2. Tickets available from Ticketek.

Brumbies team: 15. Jesse Mogg, 14. Henry Speight, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. Robbie Coleman, 11. Joseph Tomane, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 9. Michael Dowsett, 8. Ita Vaea, 7. David Pocock, 6. Scott Fardy, 5. Blake Enever, 4. Jordan Smiler, 3. Ruan Smith, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Jean-Pierre Smith. Reserves: 16. Josh Mann-Rea, 17. Allan Alaalatoa, 18. Ben Alexander, 19. Rory Arnold, 20. Jarrad Butler, 21. Joe Powell, 22. Nigel Ah Wong, 23. Rodney Iona.