Game Preview: Round 5 vs Brumbies

The Crusaders are back at home for the first time since Round 1, taking on the Brumbies on Friday 24 March at Orangetheory Stadium. 

The Brumbies come into Round 5 unbeaten and second on the table behind the Chiefs, while the Crusaders are keen to prove themselves in front of their local fans. 

Pepesana Patafilo gets his first start after his debut last week against the Blues. 

Richie Mo’unga plays his 98th game for the Crusaders. 

Will Gualter is set to debut for the franchise, hoping to come off the bench. 

Dallas Mcleod impressed against the Blues and gets the nod alongside Braydon Ennor in the midfield. 

Last time we met:

The two sides met in Canberra in Round 13 of the 2022 season, the Crusaders taking it out 37-26. They’ve got a long history of big contests and expect it again on Friday. The Brumbies are resting some of their Wallabies meaning some fresh faces will see facing the Crusaders at home as a huge opportunity to prove themselves. 

Match ups:

Battle of the first fives as Richie Mo’unga faces off with Noah Lolesio, a 12-cap Wallaby who’s scored 100 points for his country. Mo’unga has 44 All Blacks caps, scoring 370 points. 

Ollie Sapsford, covering the midfield for the Brumbies, was born in Ashburton and plays NPC for the Hawke’s Bay. He signed with the Brumbies in 2021 and has 12 caps. He’ll come up against Braydon Ennor who has 54 caps for the Crusaders and has scored more than 100 points. 

Key info: 

Referee: Brendon Pickerill 

Tickets: Get your tickets to the game here 

When: 7.05pm kick off, Friday night 

Where to watch: Broadcast guide here