Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch, NZ.
CRUSADERS (1-15):
Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett (c), Zack Gallagher, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Sione Havili Talitui, Mitch Drummond, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Dallas McLeod, Braydon Ennor, Pepesana Patafilo, Fergus Burke
RESERVES: Brodie McAlister, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, George Bower, Dominic Gardiner, Christian Lio-Willie, Willi Heinz, Will Gualter, Chay Fihaki
The Crusaders have lost Sam Whitelock and Sevu Reece to injury adding to a long list of injuries, but other players seem to step up. A credit to their systems in Christchurch.
BRUMBIES (1-15):
Blake Schoupp, Connal McInerney, Sefo Kautai, Jack Wright, Cadeyrn Neville, Rory Scott, Luke Reimer, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan (c), Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Ollie Sapsford, Ben O’Donnell, Andy Muirhead
RESERVES: Lachlan Lonergan, Fred Kaihea, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jahrome Brown, Pedro Rolando, Jack Debreczeni, Declan Meredith
From the gossip I an receiving I think the Brumbies are also down on troops.
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.
Stephen Larkham has made seven changes to his starting team, with the returning coach not being able to play some of his stars for more than five games in a row.
As such, Larkham has opted to rest a number of his stars for the Crusaders away match rather than next week’s local derby against the Waratahs in Canberra.
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Marcus Playle
There may be no bigger regular season win for the Crusaders in recent years than their hard fought, six-point victory in Auckland last week against the Blues. This was a super tough physical game and well done Red and Blacks.
Producing that response against one of their chief rivals for the Super Rugby title will be a massive boost to their confidence, and they now have the added motivation of sending Scott Robertson out as a winner for the rest of the season.
A motivated Crusaders side is the last thing the unbeaten Brumbies would be wanting to face, even after the Canberrans put up 62 on Moana Pasifika last week.
While the Crusaders have shown some defensive frailties at times this season, the Brumbies are not going to be able to cause them much grief making the trip across the Tasman.
PREDICTION.
I think the Crusaders will win this one, playing at home, even with the injuries they have, they are coached by the newly appointed All Black’s Coach who will get his squad up for this.
Crusaders to win by 10 points.
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