Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has responded to a lacklustre start of the season, overhauling his starting XV with six changes for the clash against the Sharks.

While some of the changes are forced through injury, the most noteworthy is the new look backline, with Kyle Godwin left out of the 23 altogether to make room for Wharenui Hawera, who will start at flyhalf.

Hawera's first start for the season pushes Christian Lealiifano to inside centre and there are more changes in the back three. Henry Speight has kept his spot but Tom Banks and Chance Peni have both been dropped for Andrew Muirhead and Lausii Taliauli, respectively.

Up front, a hamstring injury to Josh Mann-Rea has seen Folau Faingaa named for his first start in Brumbies colours, while Blake Enever will the start in place of Sam Carter, who took little part in the loss to the Rebels after suffering a head knock.

Tom Cusack also slots back in at openside flanker in place of Lolo Fakaosilea. With Mann-Rea and Robbie Abel unavailable Conal McInerney has been named as Faingaa's support at hooker on the bench for a potential Super Rugby debut, with Nic Mayhew also coming back onto the pine.

James Dargaville has also been named in the 23 for the first time this season.

TEAM

Brumbies team to face the Sharks

1. Scott Sio

2. Folau Faingaa

3. Allan Alaalatoa

4. Rory Arnold

5. Blake Enever

6. Lachlan McCaffrey

7. Tom Cusack

8. Isi Naisarani

9. Joe Powell

10. Wharenui Hawera

11. Lausii Taliauli

12. Christian Lealiifano

13. Tevita Kuridrani

14. Henry Speight

15. Andrew Muirhead

Reserves

16. Connal McInerney

17. Nic Mayhew

18. Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin

19. Richie Arnold

20. Lolo Fakaosilea

21. Matt Lucas

22. James Dargaville

23. Tom Banks

The Brumbies host the Sharks at GIO Stadium on Saturday night, kicking off at 7:45pm AEDT, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and on RUGBY.com.au radio.