Round five kicks off with a blockbuster between the unbeaten Brumbies and the champions Crusaders, led by All Blacks coach in waiting, Scott Robertson. Here is all the team news as it lands.
(All game times TBC)
Friday
Crusaders vs Brumbies, 5.05pm
The Brumbies have had a perfect start from the opening four rounds but have had to rest some Wallabies big guns for this clash.
Rugby Australia’s World Cup resting policy means James Slipper, Rob Valetini, Pete Samu, Nic White and Tom Wright are out of the Brumbies first trans-Tasman trip this season, with Len Ikitau and Darcy Swain also ruled out through injury.
Coach Stephen Larkham has made seven changes to his starting team. Allan Alaalatoa returns via the bench with Sefo Kautai starting at tighthead.
Loosehead Blake Schoupp will start with Test hooker Connal McInerney retaining the number two jersey.
Canberra local Jack Wright earns his his first Super Rugby start alongside Cadeyrn Neville.
Rory Scott comes back into the starting lineup to partner with openside Luke Reimer who was named player of the match in last week’s 62-36 win over Moana Pasifika.
Charlie Cale backs up his ACT debut last week with a start against the Crusaders, with Cale, Reimer and Scott forming a new backrow combination.
Ryan Lonergan will captain the side from halfback with Noah Lolesio at 10.
Tamati Tua and Ollie Sapsford combine in the centres, with Corey Toole continuing on the left wing. Wright’s absence sees Andy Muirhead shift to fullback, with Ben O’Donnell getting a crack in the run on team for the first time.
In the finishers, Wallabies rake Lachlan Lonergan will finish the game at hooker with Fred Kaihea coming on with Alaalatoa at prop.
Nick Frost will add plenty of value in the second row, with backrower Jahrome Brown fit to make his first appearance of the year.
Almost 10 years after arriving in Canberra, 33-year-old Argentine scrumhalf Pedro Rolando is set for his ACT Brumbies debut.
“We’ve laid a good foundation for the season in the first couple of weeks and we’re excited to get back to New Zealand as a group and take on this challenge against a side we have a lot of respect for,” said Larkham.
“We’ve had to rotate in a few areas, but we’ve backed our depth and our connection as a squad from the start and every player who gets on the plane knows the responsibility that comes with the jersey.”
Crusaders have been hit by injuries and will be missing Sam Whitelock with a broken hand, while Sevu Reece has a suspected season-ending knee injury.
Zach Gallagher will start alongside captain Scott Barrett in place of Whitelock, while Pepesana Patafilo will replace Reece in the No 14 jersey.
Uncapped utility back Will Gaulter was named on the bench.
“It’s been a hell of a run, but next man will step up,” said Robertson.
Whitelock and Reece join a list of injured Crusaders including All Blacks David Havili (shoulder), Jack Goodhue (groin), Fletcher Newell (foot) and Will Jordan (migraine related condition).
Newell, lock Mitchell Dunshea (chest) and hooker George Bell (foot) have been scratched for the season, while Cullen Grace (shoulder), Quinten Strange (hamstring), Finlay Brewis (shoulder) and Taha Kemara (broken hand) are also rehabbing injuries.
Brumbies (1-15): Blake Schoupp, Connal McInerney, Sefo Kautai, Jack Wright, Cadeyrn Neville, Rory Scott, Luke Reimer, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Ollie Sapsford, Ben O’Donnell, Andy Muirhead. Canberra Royals
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Fred Kaihea, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jahrome Brown, Pedro Rolando, Jack Debreczeni, Declan Meredith.
Crusaders (1-15): Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett, Zach Gallagher, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Sione Havili Talitui, Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Dallas McLeod, Braydon Enner, Pepesana Patafilo, Fergus Burke.
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, George Bower, Dominic Gardiner, Christian Lio-Willie, Willi Heinz, Will Gaulter, Chay Fihaki.
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Waratahs vs Chiefs, 7.35pm
Waratahs: TBC
Chiefs: TBC
Saturday
Highlanders vs Fijian Drua, 2.35pm
Highlanders: TBC
Drua: TBC
Moana Pasifika vs Hurricanes, 5.05pm
Moana Pasifika: TBC
Hurricanes: TBC
Rebels vs Reds, 7.35pm
Rebels: TBC
Reds: TBC
Sunday
Blues vs Force, 1.35pm
Blues: TBC
Force: TBC
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