Taliauli has been called into the Brumbies' starting side to play the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park on Friday night, opening the door for the former sevens speedster to start his pursuit of a new Super Rugby contract.

The 22-year-old has played just 12 minutes for the Brumbies since being brought in to replace Henry Speight in the semi-final against the Wellington Hurricanes 11 months ago.

He has his Jerrabomberra housemate Robbie Coleman to thank for his recall, after Coleman was forced to withdraw from the Rebels match with a hamstring injury.

"I wouldn't have wanted to get the chance this way with my roomy getting injured, but I'm going to make the most of it and play for him. It's been a long-time coming," Taliauli said.

"It's been a long time since playing in that semi-final against the Hurricanes, that was a big moment for me. I was quite nervous at the time.

"But I've improved my game a lot this year and have trained a lot harder throughout the season. Finally I've got my chance this year and I'm not going to look back."

The 'Jerra House' trio of Coleman, Taliauli and Scott Sio are well known around Brumbies headquarters.

They hosted a Mexican night last week and have a 'rappers' dinner planned for June, but Taliauli jokes there was nothing dodgy about the tacos that could have affected Coleman's hamstring.

"We come up with a theme every month so we eat on our payday. We had a bit of tacos ... it's been a good thing for us," Taliauli said.

"We've been together out there for a year and a half now and I love living there with the boys. There's a good bond between us."

Coleman's injury forced the Brumbies into a late re-shuffle on Friday, with Taliauli moving from the bench to the wing, James Dargaville shifting to inside centre and rookie Jordan Jackson-Hope will join the reserves.

Jackson-Hope's Australian under-20s teammate Nick Jooste has also been called into the travelling party to go to Melbourne as back-up for the Brumbies' backs.

For Taliauli, it's the start of his bid to win a new contract in Canberra as one of a handful of Brumbies who are chasing new deals.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham is set to ramp up negotiations with several players now that Phil Thomson has been appointed as the club's interim chief executive.

"Lausii's been itching for an opportunity ... he's played some club rugby and done a fantastic job," Larkham said.

"He's well respected and enjoyed by the other players on the field. It's about what you show at training and the opportunities you get in Super Rugby [to impress] are ones that need to be cherished."

The Brumbies will be searching for a new winger next season when Joseph Tomane leaves the club at the end of the season.

"There's a big opportunity ... but it also puts a lot of pressure on the boys trying to fill the spot," Taliauli said.

"My roomies and boys around me have kept me motivated to improve my game to get to Super Rugby level. This is a big game, and this is the sort of game you want to play in."

The Brumbies are at the top of the Australian conference, but level with the NSW Waratahs on 25 points and just two ahead of the Rebels.

The Brumbies have secured just one try-scoring bonus point this season after SANZAAR changed the system in the off-season, but Larkham said his players would not get caught in the pursuit of a three-try victory.

"Getting to the finals is one thing, but getting a higher place so you don't have to travel for finals is very important," Larkham said.

"Our priority every week is to win the game and if we get a bonus point, it's a bonus."

SUPER RUGBY ROUND 12

Friday: Melbourne Rebels v ACT Brumbies at AAMI Park, 7.45pm. TV time: Live on Fox Sports 2.

Brumbies team: 15. Aidan Toua, 14. Lausii Taliauli, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. James Dargaville, 11. Nigel Ah Wong, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 9. Tomas Cubelli, 8. Jarrad Butler, 7. David Pocock, 6. Scott Fardy, 5. Sam Carter, 4. Rory Arnold, 3. Ben Alexander, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Scott Sio. Reserves: 16. Josh Mann-Rea, 17. Allan Alaalatoa, 18. Ruan Smith, 19. Tom Staniforth, 20. Blake Enever, 21. Jordan Smiler, 22. Joe Powell, 23. Jordan Jackson-Hope.

Rebels team: 15. Mike Harris, 14. Sefa Naivalu, 13. Tamati Ellison, 12. Reece Hodge, 11. Cam Crawford, 10. Jack Debreczeni, 9. Nic Stirzaker, 8. Adam Thomson, 7. Sean McMahon, 6. Colby Faingaa, 5. Lopeti Timani, 4. Luke Jones, 3. Jamie Hagan, 2. James Hanson, 1. Toby Smith. Reserves: 16. Pat Leafa, 17. Cruze Ah Nau, 18. Tim Metcher, 19. Sam Jeffries, 20. Jordy Reid, 21. Ben Meehan, 22. Tom English, 23. Kotaro Matsushima.