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Crusaders
35
Match Complete
ACT Brumbies
17
| R. Mo'unga |  | 78 | ||
| C. Lio-Willie |  | 77 | ||
| 70 | | R. Lonergan | ||
| 69 | | C. Toole | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 58 | ||
| L. Fainga'anuku | | 57 | ||
| 48 | | R. Lonergan | ||
| 47 | | R. Lonergan | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 44 | ||
| C. Taylor | | 42 | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 19 | ||
| B. Ennor | | 17 | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 6 | ||
| L. Fainga'anuku | | 5 | ||
| 2 |  | R. Lonergan |
| 5 | Tries | 2 | ||
| 5 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Show Preview
The Brumbies head across to New Zealand for the first time in 2023 to take on the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday evening. Join The Roar for live scores and rolling coverage from 5:05pm (AEDT).
This match was shaping up to be one of the best of the season before the rotation policy in place ahead of the World Cup reared its ugly head to strip the Brumbies of several Wallabies players. With seven changes in all, Stephen Larkham’s side will be in for a battle as they attempt to end a run of 11 defeats in Christchurch dating back to 2000.
The matchup in the forwards is one where the Brumbies will target as they try to match it with the Crusaders. There may not be your household names in the starting pack; however, their replacements contain 3 Wallabies in the likes of Lachlan Lonergan, Nick Frost and the return of Allan Alaalatoa from concussion. Back-rower Jahrome Brown is named for the first time this season after an injury lay off.
The battle of the 10s in Noah Lolesio and Richie Mo’unga will determine who comes out on top in this game and Lolesio will be looking to build on his 2021 display where a sideline conversion was a whisker away from sending the game to extra time. Mo’unga’s ability to turn a game quickly in his team’s favour is well known and the Brumbies will have to shut him down early before he can unleash the backs, including the in-form Leicester Fainga’anuku who is coming off a hat trick against the Blues.
There are 2 debutants in the Brumbies backline replacements – both products of the John I Dent Cup competition in Canberra. The pacy Declan Meredith is in the wider squad, and the reliable kicking of Pedro Rolando will be ready to step in after training with the squad over the summer.
The Crusaders aren’t without their own problems with their squad with Sam Whitelock missing from this week’s side but you know whoever is next off the famous Cantabrian production line will know their role and Zach Gallagher get his chance this week in Whitelock’s spot.
Expect Scott Robertson to have an extra spring in his step after being named the next All Blacks coach and his players will want to put on a show to reward their highly respected coach in front of their home fans.
Venue: Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 5:05pm (AEDT)
Streaming: Stan Sport
Betting: Crusaders $1.08, Brumbies $8.00 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
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.
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.
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Fred Kaihea, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jahrome Brown, Pedro Rolando, Jack Debreczeni, Declan Meredith.
Hide Preview
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.