Crusaders leaders return to face the Brumbies in Canberra

The return of Captain Scott Barrett and Vice-Captain Codie Taylor are among five changes to the Crusaders starting side to face the Brumbies, in what promises to be a huge Trans-Tasman clash in Canberra on Friday night. 

The Brumbies and Crusaders currently sit second and third on the standings table with three rounds left in the DHL Super Rugby Pacific regular season, and both sides are looking to secure home play-off fixtures in the coming weeks. 

Taylor's inclusion in the front row is complemented by the return of fellow All Black George Bower at loosehead prop, while Barrett's return to the second row means Cullen Grace will move back to the more familiar No. 8 position. Pablo Matera shifts to the blindside, and Ethan Blackadder to the openside this week, with Sione Havili Talitui flying home to Christchurch with a hamstring injury sustained against the Western Force. 

In the backs, Jack Goodhue will line up at Centre alongside Vice-Captain David Havili and Braydon Ennor will be tasked with finishing the game strongly as an impact player off the bench. Sevu Reece has been named on the right wing for what will be his 50th Super Rugby appearance on Friday night, meaning George Bridge shifts to the left wing and Leicester Fainga'anuku, one of two players to score a hat-trick of tries last week against the Force, will bolster the side from the reserves.

Kick off in the Crusaders match against the Brumbies is 9:45pm NZT, Friday 13th May at GIO Stadium in Canberra. The match will be televised live on Sky Sport.