No Sam Whitelock as Crusaders name team for Brumbies blockbuster

Super Ruby veteran Sam Whitelock will not play against the Brumbies on Friday night after being left out of the Crusaders’ team for the trans-Tasman blockbuster.

The Crusaders have made two changes to their starting XV ahead of their Round Five clash against the undefeated Brumbies at Orangetheory Stadium at 7:05pm on Friday.

Title holders the Crusaders got their Super Rugby Pacific campaign back on track on Saturday with a hard-fought win over the Blues in a rematch of last year’s final.

Playmaker Richie Mo’unga impressed in the No. 10 jersey upon his return to the side, while winger Leicester Fainga’anuku starred with a hat-trick of tries.

The All Blacks duo have been named in the starting side to face the Brumbies, with Scott Robertson only making a couple of changes to the line-up.

But one of the changes it massive – both in stature and reputation.

All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock will not play on Friday night, and has been replaced by Zach Gallagher in the No. 5 jersey.

Gallagher is set for his first start of the season, and will pack down in the second row alongside captain Scott Barrett.

The only other change is on right wing, with Pepesana Patafilo having been promoted to the starting side after making his debut off the bench against the Blues.

Flyhalf Richie Mo’unga is on the cusp of a Crusaders milestone, with Friday night’s crunch clash marking his 99^th appearance in the coveted red jersey.

Crusaders team to take on the Brumbies

1. Joe Moody
2. Codie Taylor
3. Tamaiti Williams
4. Scott Barrett (c)
5. Zach Gallagher
6. Ethan Blackadder
7. Tom Christie
8. Sione Havili Talitui
9. Mitchell Drummond
10. Richie Mo’unga
11. Leicester Fainga’anuku
12. Dallas McLeod
13. Braydon Ennor
14. Pepesana Patafilo
15. Fergus Burke

 Replacements:

16. Brodie McAlister
17. Kershawl Sykes-Martin
18. George Bower
19. Dominic Gardiner
20. Christian Lio-Willie
21. Willi Heinz
22. Will Gualter
23. Chay Fihaki