Butler, 22, will be thrown into the Brumbies' No.7 jersey for the first time as a replacement for Pocock. It's a jumper that carries a rich history, from inaugural Brumbies captain Brett Robinson to George Smith, Michael Hooper and Pocock.

The game has even greater significance for Butler, who is returning to the stadium he used to visit to watch childhood heroes and All Blacks legends Tana Umaga and Jonah Lomu.

Wellington-born Butler says he's blocking out the pressure before his first game in his home town. Unknown before this season, Butler just wants to ''give it a crack''.

''I understand the rich history of George and Poey and great No.7s,'' he said. ''But I want to play my style and hopefully it works. I'm not trying to be David Pocock … it's not up to one guy to fill that void, it's up to everyone to add a bit extra.''

Butler grew up in Wellington supporting the Hurricanes and stars Lomu, Christian Cullen and Umaga before moving to Queensland when he was 13.

Having began his Super Rugby career with the Queensland Reds, he returns to Wellington a key cog for the Brumbies.

''There will be a few old school friends there and it will be good to get back,'' he said.

''The first Super Rugby games I watched were at the Cake Tin so I'm looking forward to that.''

Butler has played just 14 Super Rugby games. He left the Queensland Reds to sign with the Brumbies this season for a chance to get more game time and he has earned a spot in the starting side every week.

By his own admission, Butler prefers to play at No.8 instead of openside flanker.

''I definitely didn't expect this much game time to start … I'm trying to make the most of my opportunity,'' he said.

But skipper Ben Mowen backed Butler to excel in his new role.

''It's not about JB being a straight replacement or stepping up and performing,'' Mowen said.

''It's about what we've been doing the last couple of years, where everyone has a huge role at the breakdown and we'll continue to do that.

''JB will have a great game. He's strong over the ball, he can carry the ball and his defence is solid … he'll do a bloody good job.''

Pocock's absence has forced a line-up shuffle for the Brumbies.

Butler will take over the openside flanker duties while Leon Power moves into the second row for his first start of the season.

Wallaby Scott Fardy shifts to blindside flanker, the position he played in the Test team, Mowen moves to No.8 and Jordan Smiler is added to the bench.

Pat McCabe will be fit to stay at inside centre.