Round five kicks off with a blockbuster clash between the unbeaten Brumbies and the champions Crusaders, led by All Blacks coach in waiting, Scott Robertson.

Later on Friday the Waratahs are looking to bounce back with a tough battle against the unbeaten Chiefs.

Here is all the team news as it lands.

(All game times AEDT)

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. 

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.

It’s not all bad news though, with regular captain Allan Alaalatoa returning 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

As the Chiefs welcome back three of their rested All Blacks, the Waratahs are in crisis mode after a number of injuries during the loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington last weekend.

In total, there are eight changes to the starting side with all but three injury related.

Loose-head prop Tom Lambert has been rotated back to the bench with Te Tera Faulkner returning, while Wallabies Dave Porecki returns to bolster the front-row after missing the past two weeks.

Wallabies utility forward Jed Holloway returns to the second-row to partner Ned Hanigan, who made his return last weekend. Saleni Seu drops back to the bench.

The back-row has been hit hard with injury, with Charlie Gamble (shoulder) and Langi Gleeson (calf) ruled out. As such, Lachie Swinton returns at blindside flanker while Will Harris returns to the back of the scrum.

The halves pairing remains the same, but the midfield has had a tweak following Lalakai Foketi’s shoulder injury which sees Joey Walton make a long-awaited return at inside centre.

Max Jorgensen’s shoulder complaint sees Ben Dowling start for the first time, while Dylan Pietsch, who was firing for the Waratahs last year, makes a welcomed return after missing the opening month due a quad injury.

Tolu Latu remains on the bench as hooker replacement. Seu offers some strength in the second-row stocks while back-rower Zac Von Appen and utility back Harry Wilson are in-line to make their Super Rugby debuts.

“Coming off a disappointing loss in Wellington, we’ve sustained a significant number of injuries, but the beauty of our squad this year is our depth and we’re still able to name a very strong XV with some talent and impact coming off the bench,” Waratahs coach Darren Coleman said.

“We’re especially excited for the potential new debutants and it’s great to see Joey Walton back, fit, and ready to go.

“The team has been disappointed in its performances over the past two weeks and can’t wait to get back to our house and put in a performance that our fans will be proud of.”

The Chiefs welcome back three of their rested All Blacks, while Damian McKenzie returns to fullback in his 100th Super Rugby match.

Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane and Brad Weber are all back for the clash in Sydney after being rested against the Rebels.

McKenzie replaces Shaun Stevenson, who drops to the bench after playing the full 80 minutes in all four games.

All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho meanwhile gives the Chiefs some power in the second half.

Waratahs: Te Tera Faulkner, Dave Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan, Lachie Swinton, Michael Hooper, Will Harris, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Joey Walton, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Ben Dowling

Replacements: Tolu Latu, Tom Lambert, Daniel Botha, Taleni Seu, Zac Von Appen, Harrison Goddard, Harry WIlson, Nemani Nadolo

Chiefs (1-15): Aidan Ross, Bradley Slater, John Ryan, Brodie Retallick, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Samipeni Finau, Sam Cane, Pita Gus Sowakula, Brad Weber, Bryn Gatland, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Alex Nankivell, Emoni Narawa, Damian McKenzie (99)

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kaylum Boshier, Cortez Ratima, Daniel Rona, Shaun Stevenson.

Referee: Jordan Way.

Saturday

Highlanders vs Fijian Drua, 2.35pm

Kemu Valetini, brother of Wallaby Rob, gets his first start of the season in the Drua’s No.10 jersey for the clash in Dunedin.

Kemu kicked the late penalty to seal the win over Crusaders on home turf.

Coach Mick Byrne has freshened up the team with key changes.

Eroni Sau and Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta will miss this week’s match due to injury, while it’s
a first run-on starts for winger Taniela Rakuro and Valetini.

Emosi Tuqiri is back in the starting 15 as loosehead prop. Leone Rotuisolia returns to partner Isoa Nasilasila while Joseva Tamani returns at blindside flanker after missing out last week.

Another change sees the familiar pairing of Kalaveti Ravouvou and Apisalome Vota start this week as inside and outside centres respectively.

The Highlanders welcome back six players from injury – Pari Pari Parkinson, Josh Dickson, Will Tucker, James Lentjes and Saula Ma’u while there is a potential debut for hooker Jack Taylor.

Highlanders (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Leni Apisai, Jermaine Ainsley, Pari Pari Parkinson, Josh Dickson, Sean Withy, Billy Harmon, Hugh Renton, Aaron Smith, Mitch Hunt, Jonah Lowe, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Josh Timu, Martin Bogado, Sam Gilbert.

Replacements: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Will Tucker, James Lentjes, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Jake Te Hiwi.

Drua (1-15): Emosi Tuqiri, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuela Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi, Frank Lomani, Kemu Valetini, Taniela Rakuro, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Apisalome Vota
Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada.

Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Meli Tuni, Jone Koroiduadua, Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, Vilive Miramira, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Teti Tela.

Referee: Paul Williams

Moana Pasifika vs Hurricanes, 5.05pm

The Hurricanes will be missing rested All Blacks Jordie Barrett, Dane Coles and Tyrel Lomax. Also rested are James Blackwell and Du’Plessis Kirifi, while winger Kini Naholo replaces Julian Savea in the starting XV.

Naholo scored two tries in the win over the Tahs last week. .

Billy Proctor starts at No.12 and Bailyn Sullivan gets his first start at No.13.

The return of Owen Franks offsets the loss of Lomax, while another former All Black, Dom Bird, makes his first start for the Hurricanes at lock after debuting off the bench against the Waratahs. Young gun Peter Lakai replaces Kirifi at openside flanker.

Moana Pasifika (1-15): Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Suetena Asomua, Samuel Slade, Mike McKee, Solomone Funaki, Alamanda Motuga, Lotu Inisi, Ereatara Enari, Christian Leali’ifano, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Henry Taefu, Levi Aumua, Tima Fainaga’anuku, William Havili..

Replacements: Ray Niula, Ezekiel Lindnemuth, Chris Apoua, Potu Leavasa, Miracle Faiilagi, Manu Paea, D’Angeolo Leuila, Fine Inisi.

Hurricanes (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Owen Franks, Dominic Bird, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Ardie Savea (c), Cameron Roigard, Brett Cameron, Salesi Rayasi, Billy Proctor, Bailyn Sullivan, Kini Naholo, Josh Moorby. 

Replacements: Hame Faiva, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilio Tosi, TK Howden, Braydon Iose, Jamie Booth, Riley Hohepa, Julian Savea.

Referee: Reuben Keane

Rebels vs Reds, 7.35pm

The Reds welcome back Wallabies backs Hunter Paisami and Jordan Petaia in two of three changes from the win over Drua, with Kalani Thomas set to run-on at scrumhalf for the sixth time in his career. Isaac Henry returns via the bench.

The idea behind leaving McDermott on the bench is two-fold. It will give Thomas some important time in the saddle to start the match, but it will also allow the Wallabies halfback to finish the match in a game that is likely to go down to the wire.

Paisami will give the Reds a huge amount of punch and class in the midfield, while Petaia’s return is welcomed. Suliasi Vunivalu’s absence is precautionary, with the Reds aware the explosive winger has suffered cramp in the past few rounds.

Harry Wilson will celebrate his 50th Queensland cap, while prop Phransis Sula-Siaosi is in line for a Super Rugby debut following Sef Fa’agase’s three-week ban.

“The Rebels have been impressive so far this season. We’re expecting a tough contest down in Melbourne,” Thorn said.

“It’s great to have Hunter, Jordy and Isaac back this week. They’ll bring good experience to the backline.

“Congratulations to Harry who’ll play his 50th game for Queensland. It’s a special and well-deserved achievement. 

“Phransis impressed us during the Challenger Series and Japan Tour last year. It’s a great reward to see him potentially make his Super Rugby debut.”

The Rebels will miss Wallabies star Reece Hodge who broke his finger last week and could be sidelined for some time.

He has been replaced by rising talent David Feliaui, while Joe Pincus returns at fullback.

Elsewhere, Richard Hardwick has picked a minor injury and has been replaced by Vaiolini Ekuasi.

The Rebels once again have a strong front-row replacement and will need to beat the Reds up front to give themselves a chance.

Rebels (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Alex Mafi, Sam Talakai, Trevor Hosea, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Monty Ioane, David Feliuai, Stacey Ili, Lachie Anderson, Joe Pincus.

Replacements: Anaru Rangi, Cabous Eloff, Pone Fa’amausili, Angelo Smith, Daniel Maiava, James Tuttle, Glen Vaihu, Nick Jooste.

Reds: Dane Zander, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Jordan Petaia, Jock Campbell.

Replacements: Richie Asiata, Peni Ravai, Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Jake Upfield, Connor Anderson, Tate McDermott, Isaac Henry, Taj Annan.

Referee:  Graham Cooper

Sunday

Blues vs Force, 1.35pm

Simon Cron has made four changes to his side starting side against the Blues, with Sam Spink to make his debut for the Force.

The outside centre, who impressed during the pre-season matches, will partner Hamish Stewart in the centres with Bayley Kuenzle dropping back to the bench.

Up front, Wallabies hooker Folau Fainga’a returns after suffering Achilles soreness ahead of his side’s loss to the Highlanders last weekend.

Tom Robertson’s concussion sees Angus Wagner start up front alongside Fainga’a and Santiago Medrano.

While Tim Anstee moves to openside flanker in the absence of Ollie Callen.

The Blues, meanwhile, has taken the opportunity to rest a handful of their All Blacks stars.

Prop Nepo Laulala, Test halves Finlay Christie and Beauden Barrett, centre Rieko Ioane and winger Caleb Clarke have each been given a spell under New Zealand Rugby’s protocols ahead of the World Cup.

Dual international Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has also been ruled out because of a hand injury. As have forwards Alex Hodgman and James Lay.

As such, Leon MacDonald has had to completely revamp his side, with Stephen Perofeta moving from fullback to fly-half. Harry Plummer, meanwhile, takes over the captaincy.

“It was a real ding-dong over the weekend and we’ve unfortunately picked up a couple more injuries,” MacDonald said.

“Roger has a cast on his right hand so will be out for at least a month while Alex and James picked up shoulder and ankle injuries respectively.”

 “Unfortunately Alex will be out for the rest of our season, you never like to see players end their season prematurely and we wish him well in his recovery. Our medical staff will monitor James’ ankle over the next week to see where he lands.”

“Harry Plummer will lead the team in Dalton’s absence. Harry is captain of the Auckland Bunnings NPC side and has the respect of our team. He’s a leader within the group and we trust him with the armband this weekend.”

Blues: Joshua Fusitu’a, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tuungafasi, James Tucker, Cameron Suafoa, Anton Segner, Adrian Choat, Hoskins Sotutu, Sam Nock, Stephen Perofeta, Mark Telea, Harry Plummer (c), Bryce Heem, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Zarn Sullivan

Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, Tom Robinson, Sam Darry, Taine Plumtree, Taufa Funaki, AJ Lam

Force: Angus Wagner, Folau Fainga’a, Santiago Medrano, Felix Kalapu, Jeremy Williams, Michael Wells (c), Tim Anstee, Rahboni Vosayaco, Gareth Simpson, Bryce Hegarty, Toni Pulu, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Zach Kibirge, Chase Tiatia

Replacements: Tom Horton, Marley Pearce, Siosifa Amone, Ryan McCauley, Ollie Callan, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Bayley Kuenzle, George Poolman

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe