A first-half David Pocock hat-trick has reignited the ACT Brumbies' Super Rugby season after overpowering the Otago Highlanders to end their mid-season rut.

Pocock was dubbed "jazz hands" after scoring three tries from the back of a rolling maul, using the Australian sign language for clapping as his celebration in ending a three-year try-scoring drought.

@mirandadevine it was actually Auslan/sign language for clapping. I have a friend who's first language is Auslan so it was for her...— David Pocock (@pocockdavid) April 24, 2015

The Brumbies broke their run of poor form with an emphatic 31-18 triumph at Canberra Stadium, giving them a crucial win before a battle against arch rivals the NSW Waratahs next weekend.

Brumbies captain Stephen Moore also paid tribute to the family of Nicholas Tooth, who died after a collision in a Central North rugby match last weekend.

Brumbies lock Sam Carter missed the clash against the Highlanders to return to Quirindi for the funeral and to grieve after the loss of his childhood friend.

The win against the Highlanders was a much-needed confidence boost after winning just one of the previous four games and gives them a temporary eight-point buffer in the Australian conference.

Pocock is launching an undeniable case for World Cup selection after breaking the shackles of two injury ruined seasons, including two knee reconstructions.

The former Wallabies skipper is almost back to his best and his three tries in the first 35 minutes was just reward for the hard work he has put in during his rehabilitation.

"We knew we had to start well and get the rhythm right. Credit to the forwards, I thought our rolling maul was outstanding," Pocock said.

"It's a big game against the Waratahs next week, we've got stuff to improve and the Tahs have been in really good form."

The Brumbies were more clinical with Jesse Mogg and Tevita Kuridrani in the back line and they needed just five minutes before they broke through the under-manned Highlanders.

The Highlanders rested their three All Blacks stars - Ben Smith, Aaron Smith and Malakai Fekitoan - and they paid dearly as the Brumbies romped to an early lead.

First it was winger Henry Speight taking advantage of a Highlanders' mid-field error and blowing away defenders with his speed.

Then it turned into the Pocock show with the Brumbies turning to their most effective attacking weapon - the rolling maul - to ensure the visitors had no chance of victory.

The Brumbies' big men easily rolled over the top of the Highlanders close to the line, which would have pleased coach Stephen Larkham who was fuming with the way the maul defence had been policed in recent weeks.

Pocock was the man at the back on all three occasions and made no mistake as the Brumbies opened up a 31-6 lead.

Highlanders skipper Nasi Manu described Pocock as a "demon".

"He's a good player, he's been unfortunate with his injuries but he's a demon over the ball and you have to have your technique perfect if you want to get him off it," Manu said.

The Brumbies secured a crucial four-try bonus point before half-time, helping them take a step in the right direction to their finals ambition.

But Larkham said there was plenty of room for improvement before they are back on track.

The biggest test for the Brumbies will be a blockbuster derby against the Waratahs at Canberra Stadium on Friday night.

The Waratahs belted the Brumbies in Sydney a month ago to start the run of poor Brumbies form and the added spice of Wallabies selection battles will ensure an intense contest.

"There's still a long way to go, Super Rugby is like a grand final every week," Larkham said.

"We've lost four games now ... we've got to continue to win from here on in.

"We need to put attention into detail this week and not get carried away with the hype [of playing the Waratahs]. Brumbies versus Waratahs is traditionally heated, we'll make sure our detail is what we focus on."

The Highlanders finally showed some life after half-time, scoring the only two tries of the second half to close the gap to 13 points.

But the Brumbies were never seriously challenged, despite going scoreless in the second half.

"We really needed that after two losses, we're happy to get the five points," said Brumbies captain Stephen Moore.

"The lineout worked really well for us, the maul has been good and we're happy to get the try off the back of that.

"Perhaps [we relaxed] after getting the four-try bonus point. We'll talk about that, but overall a good performance.

"We got smacked up there in Sydney and we look forward to that game next week. They're very good in physicality, we've got a way to go but we know it's going to be a really crucial area."

Pocock got through a mountain of work, making 11 runs and two tackle busts in one of his best performances since shedding his injury woes.

He now faces a challenge against incumbent Wallabies captain Michael Hooper, with the pair going head to head for Super Rugby bragging rights and a chance to wear the Australian No. 7 jersey.

Moore praised props Ruan and Jean-Pierre Smith for their work and said the Brumbies would continue to work on the scrum.

"There's no magic solution, you've got to take every scrum on its merits. We want to eradicate any bad scrums, but is it going to happen all the time? Probably not," Moore said.

"You've just got to get on with it. We needed to win tonight, no doubt. We've done that but we've got a long way to go if we want to be up the top.

"We need to be better and certainly improve on our last outing against the Waratahs, they really gave it to us up there last time. We're focused on how we can improve."

AT A GLANCE

ACT BRUMBIES 31 (David Pocock 3, Henry Speight tries; Christian Lealiifano penalty, 4 conversions) bt OTAGO HIGHLANDERS 18 (Shaun Treeby, Dan Pryor tries; Lima Sopoaaga 2 penalties, conversion) at Canberra Stadium on Friday night. Referee: Matt O'Brien. Crowd: 10,138.