Pocock will take the Brumbies' captaincy for the round-one clash against the Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium as regular skipper Stephen Moore is eased back into full playing commitments.

But while Pocock has played just five games in two years, Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham is adamant he is the right man for the job and the flanker can recapture the form that led to him being regarded as one of the best players in the world.

"I'm a stand-in captain while Stephen Moore's getting back to start ... it's one of those things that's a great opportunity to serve your teammates," Pocock said.

"I very much see it as supporting Steve Moore and a vice captain stepping up on Friday night and playing my role.

"My knee is feeling good, I've had two full trials and haven't really thought about it. There have been no issues, it's been a long road back but I've had so much support from the club and family that it's been outstanding."

Moore will play up to 30 minutes of the second half as he returns from a knee reconstruction.

Pocock initially hesitated when Larkham approached him about being part of a three-man leadership group this season as the 26-year-old focuses on rebuilding his career.

But Larkham has no doubt Pocock can be one of the most dominant players in Super Rugby and expects him to be at his best immediately.

"We've seen him getting back to his best form in the two trial matches," Larkham said.

"In the first trial in Perth there was a bit of hesitation in his game, he was strong over the ball but when he carried the ball and made his tackles, he was a little bit hesitant.

"In the second trial he was much better. He stole four balls in the game and put his body on the line. His fitness is better than anyone's on the field at the moment.

"I've got no doubt throughout this season we will see Poey at his best. I think he's ready to go, we'll see the best from him this weekend.

"I know he's got the added responsibility of captaining the team this weekend, but he's focused on his own game, he's been tested at Super Rugby level now and he's ready to go."

The Brumbies will name their team on Thursday, with Larkham set to include rookie lock Rory Arnold in the starting forward pack for his Super Rugby debut.

Ita Vaea will make a remarkable comeback from the bench more than two years after scans found blood clots on his heart and he was told he may never play again.

The Reds will bring a star-studded team to Canberra for the opening-round Australian derby, including cross-code convert Karmichael Hunt, who is set to play fly-half. Pocock remembers looking up to the former NRL star and AFL player when they went to the same school in Brisbane.

SUPER RUGBY ROUND ONE

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