Brumbies flanker David Pocock is set to miss another Super Rugby match with a calf injury, among four Wallabies left in Australia for their clash with the Crusaders.
Pocock has played just three games this season, including just a five-minute stint in the season opener against the Rebels, battling a lingering calf issue and also missing a week with a concussion.
The no. 7 has now missed close to a month of Super Rugby with this latest injury setback, last running out for the Brumbies in round four against the Rebels.
He is not the only Wallaby missing from the Brumbies outfit to travel across the ditch with Scott Sio, Folau Faingaa and Rory Arnold all being rested.
The trio have been left at home as part of the Wallabies’ World Cup management plans, requiring regular Test players miss at least one game in the season and, for some, two.
Darcy Swain has earned his first start in the absence of Arnold, combining with Murray Douglas in the second row, while Sam Carter will come off the bench.
While they will be missing a host of stars, the Brumbies will welcome back injured duo Allan Alaalatoa (wrist) and Toni Pulu (cheekbone.
Pulu’s appearance will be his first since the season opener against the Rebels, after he broke his cheekbone in that match.
The Crusaders named their team earlier on Thursday, with a host of All Blacks returning to the side.
The Brumbies take on the Crusaders on Saturday April 6, kicking off at 5:15pm local, 3;15pm AEDT, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
TEAM
Brumbies to face Crusaders
1. James Slipper
2. Josh Mann-Rea
3. Allan Alaalatoa
4. Darcy Swain
5. Murray Douglas
6. Pete Samu
7. Tom Cusack
8. Lochie McCaffrey
9. Joe Powell
10. Christian Lealiifano
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11. Toni Pulu
12. Irae Simone
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Henry Speight
15. Tom Banks
Reserves
16. Connal McInerney
17. Vunipola Fifita
18. Tom Ross
19. Sam Carter
20. Jahrome Brown
21. Matt Lucas
22. Jordan Jackson-Hoper
23. Andy Muirhead