And the timing couldn't be any better with the Brumbies conceding 10 tries in their past three matches.

Collision coach Smith had his first session with the Brumbies in more than a month before the team flew to Dunedin on Tuesday to prepare to take on the Otago Highlanders.

The Brumbies have built their revival on strong defence and started the season in superb form with their try line breached only twice in the first four games. But with fatigue setting in and monster South African packs taking aim at the Brumbies, the defensive record suffered.

Smith was at training on Monday and it is hoped fresher bodies and minds will eliminate the frailties of recent weeks.

The Brumbies remain equal top of the Super Rugby ladder and have the third best defensive record in the competition, with only the defending champions Waikato Chiefs and Durban Sharks conceding fewer points. But after being bashed by four South African opponents, lock Sam Carter said the team was expecting another brutal encounter against the Highlanders on Friday night.

''We've focused on upping the physicality, the Highlanders are going to try to bash us and run around us,'' Carter said. ''We just have to be direct and physical and make sure we stick to our plan. Maybe we were a bit fatigued against the South African teams. We started the season really well with our defence and it hasn't fallen apart. We're just focusing on what we were doing right at the start of the season and replicating it this week … I think everyone's revitalised now and hopefully we can get a result with our defence.''

Former St George Illawarra, Parramatta, Newcastle and Sydney Roosters coach Smith hasn't been able to join the Brumbies for more than a month with the team playing two games in South Africa and then having two short preparation weeks.

The Brumbies' defence was immaculate in the opening rounds, conceding just two tries, but they conceded four tries in their shock draw with Super Rugby newcomers the Southern Kings last weekend.

It was the second time in three matches their opponents recorded a four-try bonus point. But the Brumbies aren't panicking and after an 88 per cent rating with their tackle effectiveness last week - the highest of their season - the coaches have backed the players to bounce back.

They made just 84 tackles compared with the Kings' 176 and controlled play with 61 per cent possession and field position.

But while the lower-ranked Kings scored one try from a maul and another from a midfield turnover, two crucial missed tackles cost the Brumbies dearly.

Second-rower Carter was rested from the clash with the Pretoria Bulls and returned on the bench against the Kings. The 23-year-old has been a major part of the Brumbies' revival and has played almost every game since the start of last year.

''I felt after about five minutes last week that I was back up to speed,'' Carter said.

''I feel like I'm ready to go after having a break and hopefully I can make an impact in whatever role I get this weekend. It's important to focus on getting yourself right … the Highlanders are a tough team and it's going to be a physical and fast game.''

The Brumbies are keen to make amends for their inconsistent performances and wasted no time getting to Dunedin to focus on the win-less Highlanders.

While the NSW Waratahs opted for a 48-hour return trip to New Zealand last weekend, the Brumbies are basing themselves in the South Island for the majority of the week to ensure their preparation is uninterrupted.

FRIDAY

Super Rugby round 9: Highlanders v ACT Brumbies, at Forsyth Barr Stadium, 5.30pm.

TV Time: Live on Fox Sports 2.