A hugely influential player for province and country, Pocock's return is a major boost for a Brumbies but they have lost towering test lock Rory Arnold to an elbow injury.
Blake Enever comes into the second row in his place, while the pacy Robbie Coleman comes in for James Dargaville on the left wing as the Brumbies look to upset the odds and keep the Australian flag flying into the semi-finals.
The Highlanders also have co-captain Shane Christie returning at openside flanker after he recovered from an illness that sidelined him for two games.
Christie, who replaces James Lentjes, is one of two changes to Jamie Joseph's starting side for the match at Canberra Stadium.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Loose forward Liam Squire, who made a surprise debut for the All Blacks against Wales in June, has been promoted from the bench and takes over at number eight, with Luke Whitelock moving to lock.
The Highlanders head into the playoffs in ominous form after upsetting the high-flying Waikato Chiefs 25-15 in Dunedin last week.
They take on a less inspiring Brumbies side who ground out a scrappy 24-10 win over lowly Western Force to qualify for the post-season.
(Reporting by Ian Ransom and Nick Mulvenney; Editing by Amlan Chakraborty)
