The Brumbies are determined not to underestimate the 11th-placed Crusaders when they host the struggling champions in Canberra in Round 13.
The heavyweights will have some special guests this week as the 2004 champions come together to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their final victory over the Crusaders.
The team is excited about the opportunity to add another positive chapter to the competition with the perennial champions.
“Every week, whoever the Crusaders face, the first thing they say is they don't really pay attention to where they sit on the ladder,” linebacker Tom Wright said.
“The firepower they have and the respect they've earned over the years, they have the ability to hurt you whether they're 20 points ahead or 20 points down.
“The Crusaders are a top team in this competition and have been for a long time.”
James Slipper returns to the starting XV for the competition, joining Conal McInerney and captain Alan Allalatoa in the front row.
Nick Frost will move to the blindside for a change, making way for a second-row partnership between Darcy Swain and Cadern Neville.
Frost will be joined by Jahrom Brown in the open side and Rob Valentini in the eighth.
Looking to play at the head of that powerful attacking group is full-back Ryan Lonergan, who lines up inside a returning Wallaby Noah Lolessio enjoyed a week off in Round 12.
Tamati Tua and Lin Eketau, the midfield partnership, retain their starting roles and will look to capture the lethal pace of the back three involved in the competition.
Ollie Sapsford and Andy Muirhead are set to wear the No.11 and No.14 shirts respectively, while Tom Wright will wear the familiar No.15.
The bench features some firepower in Wallaby Tom Hooper, as well as Round 12 player Jack Debreczeni. Aside from these changes, the seat remains the same as it was last weekend.
Brumbies team to face the Crusaders
- James Sleeper
- Conal McInerney
- Alain Alalatwa (c)
- Darcy Swain
- Caderne Neville
- Nick Frost
- Jahrom Brown
- Rob Valetini
- Ryan Lonergan
- Noah Lolessio
- Ollie Sapsford
- Tamati Toa
- Lin Ikitaw
- Andy Muirhead
- Tom Wright
Protectorates
16. Liam Bowron
17. Rhys van Neck
18. Socevo Kautai
19. Tom Hooper
20. Luke Raymer
21. Harrison Goddard
22. Jack Debrecchini
23. Ben O'Donnell
