Brumbies' starting XV unchanged for 'Saders

Scrumhalf Michael Dowsett returns to the bench in place of Joe Powell in the only change to the side that defeated the Waratahs 26-20 at Allianz Stadium last Saturday.

The Brumbies will be hoping to record their third victory at home this season against the in-form Crusaders.

Scott Sio, co-captain Stephen Moore and Ben Alexander will pack down in the front row while Rory Arnold and Sam Carter remain the starting locks.

Scott Fardy, Jarrad Butler and Jordan Smiler remain in the backrow following an impressive display against the Waratahs.

Tomás Cubelli and co-captain Christian Lealiifano make up the halfback combination, while Matt Toomua and Tevita Kuridrani are the centres.

Joe Tomane, who scored a hat-trick of tries last week, will be joined by Robbie Coleman and Aidan Toua at the back.

On the bench Josh Mann-Rea, Allan Alaalatoa and Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin will be looking to continue their strong form along with youngsters Tom Staniforth and Michael Wells. 

The backs on the bench will be Dowsett, who has impressed in his previous matches of club rugby with Uni-Norths in the John I Dent Cup, along with the versatile pairing of James Dargaville and Nigel Ah Wong.

Brumbies: 15 Aidan Toua, 14 Robbie Coleman, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Joe Tomane, 10 Christian Lealiifano (c0-captain), 9 Tomás Cubelli 8 Jordan Smiler, 7 Jarrad Butler, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore (co-captain), 1 Scott Sio.

Replacements: 16 Josh Mann-Rea, 17 Allan Alaalatoa, 18 Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin, 19 Tom Staniforth, 20 Michael Wells, 21 Michael Dowsett, 22 James Dargaville, 23 Nigel Ah Wong.

Date: Sunday, April 24

Venue: GIO Stadium , Canberra

Kick-off: 16:05 (14.05 NZST, 06.05 GMT)

Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Nic Berrty (Australia), Ed Martin (Australia)

TMO: Ian Smith (Australia)