Brumbies co-captain Lealiifano was shifted out of the chief playmaking role with coach Dan McKellar desperate to inject some life into his attack, and the gamble on Hawera paid off.

The 24-year-old won man of the match honours in the Brumbies' win over the Durban Sharks on Saturday in his return to the No. 10 jersey he donned in Lealiifano's absence last year.

He steered the Brumbies to the Australian conference title last year but Hawera has never felt more confident than he does with his close mate on his outside.

Test veteran Lealiifano's calming presence could transform Hawera from a solid flyhalf to a bona fide star with the Hamilton-born product determined to take the next step in his game.

"That was my first opportunity to get some real game time with the big fella," Hawera said.

"Who else is there better to have than someone that has played over 100 Super Rugby games and been at the top level for a number of years? It helped my confidence.

"Obviously we're extremely close and he was a big role model of mine last year, helping me through my first year of footy at this level. I just got a chance to play with him and it is one that I'll remember.

"It was awesome to finally get a chance [at flyhalf] and to play pretty well, and to get a win with the boys, it's extremely satisfying.

"Having time in the saddle during pre-season when Christian was in Ulster, I got a lot of confidence from that."

Hawera is shaping as the Brumbies' Mr Fix-It after he nailed five from six shots at goal with two penalties coming from the halfway line and beyond - a far cry from the club's ugly 27 per cent success rate in the opening three rounds.

It was a range not even McKellar knew he had, but Hawera was more than comfortable when Lealiifano pointed to the sticks from 53 metres out - he thrives on the backing of his skipper.

"You're not the first one to let me know that I haven't been kicking too well," Hawera grinned.

"I think just getting the job done [against the Sharks] and getting a good win with the boys is all that really matters.

"Hopefully [I hold onto the role]. [Lealiifano and I] had a kicking competition at captain's run and I just snuck in there and beat him with one kick.

"He just gives me a lot of confidence and backs me 100 per cent, so I'm just happy to do whatever is best for the team."

The Brumbies weren't perfect as the second half turned into a slow grind, but Hawera's presence at flyhalf offered much-needed balance to a dangerous attack that has ex-Wallaby Kyle Godwin waiting in the wings.

Scrumhalf Joe Powell brought an up-tempo game plan to a reformed offence and Hawera tapped straight into the combination they built on their run to the finals last season.

The Brumbies have a week off before returning home to face the NSW Waratahs in a derby that could make or break their Australian conference hopes.

"It was a valid point for us to switch up the team and really have a crack at [the Sharks]," Hawera said.

"It came at a good time. Obviously getting a good win was awesome but we've got a few injuries and we'll get a few key players getting back into the team. We'll have no trouble getting up for a big derby."