The Brumbies roll into Christchurch this Saturday with the monumental task of beating the Crusaders, something they have not done in Christchurch for 19 years.
They are coming off the bye following their shocker against the Reds in Brisbane two weeks ago and no doubt there would have been some hard truths dished out following that performance.
Their task hasn’t been helped this week with the resting policy claiming three Wallabies forwards in Scott Sio, his front row partner in Folau Fainga’a and Rory Arnold from the second row. David Pocock is still injured and won’t make the trip as is prop Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin.
This has given a chance to some players who haven’t seen much, or any, game time this season. The front row is still experienced with James Slipper, Josh Mann-Rea and Allan Alaalatoa. It’s a different story in the second row with Darcy Swain given his starting debut alongside Murray Douglas. The backrow is reasonably settled with Pete Samu returning to his old stomping ground with Tom Cusack and Lachie McCaffrey.
Toni Pulu is finally back in action after suffering a fractured cheekbone against the Rebels in Round one and is the only change to the backline.
The Crusaders will be playing their first match back at their home ground following the events in Christchurch and this will no doubt be an emotional game. There has been a lot of talk surrounding the team name but the Crusaders know how to overcome adversity and they will be keen to put on a performance for the home fans.
The showed against the Hurricanes last week that their loss against the Waratahs was just a blip as they smashed the Hurricanes in their own backyard.
There’s a couple of returning All Blacks in the front row in Joe Moody and Owen Franks and Kieran Read is back for his second game of the year and will no doubt be influential even though Matt Todd is technically the captain.
On the bench they have the luxury of naming Sam Whitelock and joins big names in Michael Alaalatoa and Jordan Taufua amongst the forwards.
Match up
Lachie McCaffrey vs Kieran Read
McCaffrey’s name has been mentioned as a possible bolter for the Wallabies and there is no bigger test than coming up against the All Blacks captain in Kieran Read. McCaffrey has been one of, if not the most, consistent Brumby all year and will have to be on top of his game to match it with Read.
Prediction
This is a real backs to the wall game for the Brumbies but the Crusaders will be too strong in front of their home crowd.
Side note
Congratulations to Jaco Peyper who referees his 100th Super Rugby match. Hopefully the AR’s and TMO give him the guard of honour he deserves as he leads out both teams……
TEAMS
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BRUMBIES
1 James Slipper
2 Josh Mann-Rea
3 Allan Alaalatoa
4 Darcy Swain
5 Murray Douglas
6 Pete Samu
7 Tom Cusack
8 Lachlan McCaffrey
9 Joe Powell
10 Christian Lealiifano
11 Toni Pulu
12 Irae Simone
13 Tevita Kuridrani
14 Henry Speight
15 Tom Banks
Replacements
16 Connal McInerney
17 Vunipola Fifita
18 Tom Ross
19 Sam Carter
20 Jahrome Brown
21 Matt Lucas
22 Jordan Jackson-Hope
23 Andy Muirhead
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Crusaders
1 Joe Moody
2 Codie Taylor
3 Owen Franks
4 Scott Barrett
5 Quinten Strange
6 Ethan Blackadder
7 Matt Todd
8 Kieran Read
9 Mitchell Drummond
10 Richie Mo’unga
11 Sevu Reece
12 Ryan Crotty
13 Tim Bateman
14 Will Jordan
15 David Havili
Replacements
16 Ben Funnell
17 Harry Allan
18 Michael Alaalatoa
19 Sam Whitelock
20 Jordan Taufua
21 Bryn Hall
22 Brett Cameron
23 Leicester Faingaanuku
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MATCH DEETS
Kick off: 3:15pm AEDT
AMI Stadium
Saturday 6 April
Referee: Jaco Peyper
AR1: Egon Seconds
AR2: Paul Williams
TMO: Ben Skeen[/one_third]
