The Brumbies kick-started five weeks of season-defining matches with an emphatic victory over two-time defending champions the Waikato Chiefs on Friday night.

They now face seven-time champions the Canterbury Crusaders, ladder leaders the Durban Sharks and a two-game trip to South Africa against the Free State Cheetahs and Pretoria Bulls.

It's a make or break stretch which will determine whether the Brumbies can secure a top two spot on the overall ladder and the prize of a home semi-final.

The Brumbies lead the Australian conference, but are only just ahead of the NSW Waratahs and Western Force.

"The next few weeks is a crucial period and time where the Brumbies have to solidify themselves as a team that's capable of making the finals," Smith said.

"The teams coming up are really tough. The Crusaders beat the Brumbies last year off the back of Dan Carter's calm play.

"The Sharks play that Jake White-factor style, it's simple but effective and they're big and imposing.

"The next few games will offer up different challenges ... it's a chance to test themselves against foreign teams so it's going to be interesting to see if they can solidify themselves as the premier Australian team in the Super Rugby competition."

The Brumbies haven't beaten the Crusaders since 2009.

They will be bolstered by the return of powerhouse forward Fotu Auelua this week while winger Henry Speight is set to return from a broken jaw in the coming weeks.

The Brumbies are just behind former coach Jake White's Sharks on the overall standings after the Otago Highlanders caused a major upset in Durban on Saturday morning.

Smith, who is about to start a deal with French club Lyon, is regarded as one of the greatest Brumbies of all time.

He played 142 games - the most of any player for the club - and won two championships in his decade in Canberra.

The champion flanker was in Canberra to launch memorabilia for his career with pieces from his Brumbies games record match cut up into 400 pieces.

Smith broke George Gregan's games record last season when made a surprise comeback to help the Brumbies into the Super Rugby final.

"I didn't think there would be a market for a commemorative jersey for myself," Smith said.

"I'm very proud and very humbled. I haven't had too much time to reflect maybe because I'm still playing.

"But catching up with some Brumbies players recently, the passion you have for the ACT Brumbies is unique."