Queanbeyan junior Faingaa quit the Brumbies last year to chase more game time in Melbourne instead of being Pocock's back-up and will get a chance to take bragging rights when the teams clash at AAMI Park on Friday night.

The former Australian under-20s captain and breakaway would have been thrust into the No.7 duties for the Brumbies this year after Pocock suffered a season-ending knee injury after three games.

But Faingaa says he's settled at his new home and is banking on a fresh start to help him land the first blow against childhood friend Robbie Coleman.

"It is a bit different playing against the Brumbies for the first time ever, but I'm looking forward to the challenge," Faingaa said.

"I'm very happy with my decision to move down here even with 'Poey' going down, it was a fresh start for me and something I had to do.

"I feel for Poey, no one could have picked him going down for the second year in a row. But I haven't really thought about it."

Faingaa has been recalled to the Rebels starting XV and will start at blindside against his old teammates.

The Rebels have made a handful of changes to try to stop the rampant Brumbies, who have won four in a row.

Faingaa is in the No.6 jersey, Nic Stirzaker replaces Luke Burgess, who is on the bench, while Max Lahiff and Laurie Weeks team up in the front row.

Faingaa, 22, grew up playing union and league with Coleman and is keen to take on the Brumbies winger.

Coleman is enjoying an outstanding start to the season and scored two tries against the Stormers last weekend.

"The last time I played against Rob was when he went to the South Tuggeranong Knights in our rugby league days, when we were 13 or 14, because we wanted to win a premiership," Faingaa quipped.

"He won't be happy about that. The stakes are a bit higher now ... it's going to be different. We went to St Edmund's together, we played all school rugby together, Australian Schoolboys, a year of Australian under-20s, Brumbies academy and then Super Rugby as well.

"But hopefully he doesn't get too much space and I have to get him one on one, that would be nightmare."

Brumbies director of rugby Laurie Fisher warned the team not to expect an easy hit-out against the Rebels, despite Melbourne winning just one of four games so far.

If the Brumbies beat the Rebels, they will equal their best regular-season winning streak of five games.

"The Rebels will be right up for this, their ears will be stinging after a couple of losses," Fisher said.

"I think they'll really be looking to reclaim their season at home. We need to be prepared and desperate. If we're desperate enough, we'll go close to getting the job done."

Fisher said Pat McCabe's superb form at inside-centre was the main reason for keeping Christian Lealiifano on the bench in his comeback from ankle surgery.

"His [McCabe's] form has warranted selection," Fisher said. "He's done exceptionally well for us, and he's starting.

"You've got a guy who is playing well and is in form, you stick with that."

Brumbies breakaway Jordan Smiler wants to stake his claim for a regular starting spot. Smiler will earn just his third starting cap against the Rebels.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity I've got to have a crack," the Kiwi said. "It's the story of my career that I've always been looking for an opportunity.

"When you get a chance you have to put your hand up ... I'm not looking to do anything special, just my job that I'm given."