Hawera was supposed to fly to Christchurch for a touch tournament in February 2011, but a 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit the city two days before he could get there.

Almost exactly six years later, Hawera returns as the Brumbies' new playmaker in a Super Rugby debut against the Canterbury Crusaders on Saturday night.

It's a huge moment for New Zealand-born Hawera as he prepares to play in front of a massive entourage of family and friends.

And Hawera doesn't have to look far for a reminder of his journey from talented Hamilton junior to Brumbies rookie.

Christchurch is still rebuilding and there are construction sites and damaged buildings just outside the Brumbies' hotel in the heart of the city.

"I was coming to Christchurch to play touch and due to fly out two days after the earthquake," Hawera said.

"It was a sad time for Christchurch and New Zealand. It's still scary.

"Some of the Brumbies boys were doing some research and I think there were some minor earthquakes last night. I didn't feel them. But it does make you think.

"I know what a strong city Christchurch is, they get behind everything and the Crusaders are a big part of that."

Hawera is part of an usually large New Zealand contingent in the Brumbies squad for the opening game of hte season.

He's joined by former Auckland Blues prop Nic Mayhew while Jordan Smiler and Isaac Thompson grew up in Palmerston North, Lolo Fakaosilea was born in Auckland and Robbie Abel has Maori heritage.

It could be a Brumbies' secret weapon as they attempt to break through for their first win in Christchurch since 2000.

The Brumbies have only beaten the Crusaders twice in New Zealand in Super Rugby history and have lost their past six matches against the competition's most successful team.

Hawera's junior rivalry was with Auckland, but he got a taste of what it's like to be the Crusaders' enemy when he had a stint with the Invercargill-based Southland Stags in the provincial competition.

The problem is, like most of the Brumbies squad, Hawera is yet to taste success in Christchurch.

"I've played in Christchurch twice and lost both times," Hawera grinned.

"I'm not really thinking about how the crowd is going to be or anything like that, but I am definitely excited about the chance to play against a New Zealand team in my first game.

"It's pretty ironic that I grew up here but I'm coming back with an Australian team. Hopefully the Kiwi connection can help get us over the line."

Hawera only joined the Brumbies two months ago after the club offered him a full-time contract.

The Brumbies needed to find someone to fill the chief playmaker role while Christian Lealiifano continues his recovery from leukaemia and it is hoped a fleet-footed Hawera will step up.

The crafty No. 10 will be thrown straight in the deep end, calling the shots on the field and also taking on the kicking duties in Lealiifano's absence.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham asked Lealiifano to join the touring party to help calm any nerves.

"I'm very excited to see how [Hawera] goes, I think he's going to do really well," Lealiifano said.

"He's got a great skill set and fitted into the group really well. He's going to be the general out there and I think he's going to do some good things and turn some heads."

Hawera's parents have flown to Christchurch for the match and he's already asked Brumbies staff for at least 15 tickets for family and friends.

"I've got some family here in Christchurch as well ... they'll be Brumbies supporters. My parents just love footy," Hawera said.

"I think I'll have a few nerves, but a lot of excitement. I'm young but I've been around for a little bit in the [New Zealand provincial] competition, so hopefully I can draw on that.

"I aspired to play Super Rugby for a New Zealand team, but this is how it turned out and I'm excited."

SUPER RUGBY ROUND ONE

Saturday: Canterbury Crusaders v ACT Brumbies at Christchurch, 5.30pm. TV time: Live on Fox Sports 1.

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. Rory Arnold, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 2. Josh Mann-Rea, 1. Scott Sio. Reserves: 16. Robbie Abel, 17. Ben Alexander, 18. Les Leuluaialii-Makin, 19. Tom Staniforth, 20. Lolo Fakaosilea, 21. De Wet Roos, 22. Andrew Smith, 23. Isaac Thompson.

Crusaders team: 1. Joe Moody, 2. Ben Funnell, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Sam Whitelock, 6. Jordan Taufua, 7. Matt Todd, 8. Whetu Douglas, 9. Bryn Hall, 10. Richie Mo'unga, 11. George Bridge, 12. Ryan Crotty, 13. Jack Goodhue, 14. Seta Tamanivalu, 15. Israel Dagg. Reserves: 16. Codie Taylor, 17. Wyatt Crockett, 18. Michael Alaalatoa, 19. Luke Romano, 20. Pete Samu, 21. Ereatari Enari, 22. Mitchell Hunt, 23. David Havili