Faingaa has been called into the Brumbies' game-day squad for the clash against the Otago Highlanders.

It's the first time Faingaa has played for the Brumbies since 2008 and will be an emotional return after the death of his father, Saia Senior, last month.

The Brumbies have made several changes to their team for a grudge match against the Highlanders, after the Dunedin-based side knocked the Brumbies out of title contention last year.

Robbie Abel will start his first Super Rugby game to replace Josh Mann-Rea, who has been ruled out with a knee injury.

Mann-Rea's injury opens the door for Faingaa to join the bench almost 10 years after he left the club to join the Queensland Reds.

Faingaa and twin Anthony both won a Super Rugby title with the Reds in 2011 but returned to Canberra this year to get back to their junior roots.

In other Brumbies team changes, Wallabies prop Scott Sio will make his comeback from a hamstring injury on the bench while flanker Chris Alcock has recovered from concussion and will reclaim the No. 7 jumper.

Wallabies lock Rory Arnold has been rotated to the bench with Blake Enever to replace him in the starting second row.

Winger James Dargaville also returns to the starting XV after being rotated last weekend.

SUPER RUGBY ROUND FIVE

Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Otago Highlanders at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm. Tickets available at Ticketek.

Brumbies team: 15. Aidan Toua, 14. Henry Speight, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. Kyle Godwin, 11. James Dargaville, 10. Wharenui Hawera, 9. Joe Powell, 8. Jordan Smiler, 7. Chris Alcock, 6. Scott Fardy, 5. Sam Carter, 4. Blake Enever, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 2. Robbie Abel, 1. Nic Mayhew. Reserves: 16. Saia Faingaa, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Ben Alexander, 19. Rory Arnold, 20. Tom Staniforth, 21. Lolo Fakaosilea, 22. De Wet Roos, 23. Jordan Jackson-Hope.