Because the returning ACT Brumbies scrumhalf is a winner - whether it's a casual game or his first Super Rugby game in five years, White demands the best.

White is poised to make a long-awaited return to Canberra Stadium when he comes off the bench for the Brumbies against the NSW Waratahs on Saturday.

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar could think of few better acquisitions to take his finals-bound side to the next level.

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"He competes hard and he demands incredibly high standards of himself and others around him," McKellar said.

"To be honest it is like having another coach on the field, which is an incredible benefit for us. I can already see our young nines and 10s, and our team in general just learning from his experience and knowledge.

"I like the fact he competes, he wants to win everything, it doesn't matter what it is, and he drives standards and accountability within the group. That might rattle a few people every now and then, but it's for the betterment of the group."

White's return comes as young gun Ryan Lonergan prepares for the second start of his career, with Joe Powell rested as the Brumbies brace for the run to the finals.

McKellar considered resting Powell before the bye, but instead opted to give him one more game which in turn gave White another week to prepare.

Not that he needed long anyway - he came back in "incredible" shape after the COVID-19 pandemic saw him depart Exeter and fall into the Brumbies' lap.

"He is probably just a bit more polished around his decision making [than he used to be]. His knowledge of the game is incredibly high. He still talks a lot, he doesn't shut up, like any good halfback," McKellar said.

SUPER RUGBY AU ROUND EIGHT

Saturday: ACT Brumbies v NSW Waratahs at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm.

Brumbies squad: 1. James Slipper, 2. Connal McInerney, 3. Allan Alaalatoa (c), 4. Murray Douglas, 5. Cadeyrn Neville, 6. Lachlan McCaffrey, 7. Will Miller, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Ryan Lonergan, 10. Bayley Kuenzle, 11. Tom Wright, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Solomone Kata, 14. Andy Muirhead, 15. Tom Banks. Replacements: 16. Lachlan Lonergan, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Tom Ross, 19. Darcy Swain, 20. Rob Valetini, 21. Tom Cusack, 22. Nic White, 23. Len Ikitau.

Waratahs squad: 1. Tom Robertson, 2. Tom Horton, 3. Harry Johnson-Holmes, 4. Ned Hanigan, 5. Rob Simmons (c), 6. Lachie Swinton, 7. Michael Hooper, 8. Jack Dempsey, 9. Jake Gordon, 10. Will Harrison, 11. Alex Newsome, 12. Karmichael Hunt, 13. Joey Walton, 14. James Ramm, 15. Jack Maddocks. Replacements: 16. Robbie Abel, 17. Angus Bell, 18. Te Tera Faulkner, 19. Tom Staniforth, 20. Hugh Sinclair, 21. Mitch Short, 22. Ben Donaldson, 23. Lalakai Foketi.