The Brumbies have been emphatic that they would not take the 11th-placed Crusaders lightly when they meet the struggling reigning champions in Canberra in round 13.
This week, the 2004 heavyweight champions will gather to commemorate the 20th anniversary of their final victory against the Crusaders, with some special guests expected.
Crusaders v ACT Brumbies
Kickoff: Saturday 4.35pm at GIO Stadium.
The team is enthusiastic about the possibility to add another positive chapter to their battle with the perennial champions.
Fergus Burke will become the Crusaders’ fifth first-five-eighth when he makes his season debut against the Brumbies in Canberra.
It is one of several roster alterations, with Scott Barrett (back), Dallas McLeod (adductor strain), Levi Aumua (knee), and Tamaiti Williams (personal) all out.
Antonio Shalfoon starts as a lock, David Havili returns to second five-eighths to partner Jone Rova in the middle, and Joe Moody starts as a loosehead prop. Tom Christie also returns to the starting lineup as an openside flanker, with Corey Kellow out and Ethan Blackadder (thigh) also unavailable.
Brumbies team to face the Crusaders
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- James Slipper
- Connal McInerney
- Allan Alaalatoa (c)
- Darcy Swain
- Cadeyrn Neville
- Nick Frost
- Jahrome Brown
- Rob Valetini
- Ryan Lonergan
- Noah Lolesio
- Ollie Sapsford
- Tamati Tua
- Len Ikitau
- Andy Muirhead
- Tom Wright
Reserves
16. Liam Bowron
17. Rhys van Nek
18. Sosefo Kautai
19. Tom Hooper
20. Luke Reimer
21. Harrison Goddard
22. Jack Debreczeni
23. Ben O’Donnell