The Brumbies will face Super Rugby's most difficult challenge without at least some of their Wallabies but coach Dan McKellar remains confident his side's intensity, at least, will be on point after an unacceptable showing against the Reds.
In the Crusaders' first match in Christchurch since the attacks on two mosques that cost 50 lives, the Brumbies will face not only the most successful franchise in Super Rugby history but an outfit determined to perform for its community in the wake of the tragedy.
McKellar said he and his players were aware of the drive the Crusaders would have but the Brumbies had to focus on themselves.
"It's an important game against quality opposition, so off the back of a bye week and a performance we weren't all that pleased with the previous week, it's an opportunity for us to bounce back," he said.
While they won't name their team until Thursday, the Brumbies will be without Wallabies players, with Rory Arnold among those in doubt after he suffered a shoulder stinger that forced him out of the match against the Reds, while David Pocock also remains in doubt with a calf injury.
McKellar said after the loss to the Reds he expected to have Allan Alaalotoa available for the Crusaders clash, although he was unsure about Pocock and Arnold.
"I've made it pretty clear that this (week) has been marked as a game where Wallabies players will be rested and you'll see that in the team announcement and then there'll be opportunity for others," he said.
"It's a great opportunity for players if it is their first starting game or for anyone who's had limited minutes off the bench.
"It's a special occasion, the Crusaders in Christchurch and there's no bigger task in Super Rugby."
The Brumbies returned from a few days off ahead of the bye to review the clash against the Reds "openly and honestly", with McKellar most disappointed about the lack of effort from his players.
"I think the big thing we lacked against the Reds was just effort and intensity around the collision area and we were out-enthused," McKellar said.
"They ran harder and tackled harder than us and we got what we deserved, so we're looking to turn that around.
"You can't afford that against anyone at Super Rugby level, you can't pick and choose your moments it's professional rugby, you've got to turn up every week and if you're going to lack physical intent, then you're going to get beaten.
"It's pretty crystal clear to this group that effort's an expectation week-in, week-out, day-in, day-out, so I think we'll get a reaction."
But he said his group had not lost confidence despite a two-four record and inconsistent start to the season.
"There's still plenty of confidence and belief in the group," McKellar said.
"That's our job as coaches and working with the leaders to make sure that we review the performance that we put out against the Reds - and it wasn't good enough, it's as simple as that - but we've moved on and understand what's required of each other.
"We had a disappointing second-half performance against the Rebels and bounced back well against the Waratahs, so there's a psychology component to it and that's our job to make sure that come Saturday afternoon in Christchurch we're ready to play."
The Brumbies take on the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday, April 6, kicking off at 3:15pm AEDT (5:15pm local) and broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
