Brumbies coach Dan McKellar is relaxed about throwing a green second-row pairing into Super Rugby’s version of the deep end.
History, form and the emotion factor will all weigh heavily against the men from Canberra when they try to end a 10-year winless drought against the Crusaders on Saturday.
It’s nearly twice as long since they’ve beaten the nine-time champions in Christchurch.
Yet McKellar has taken a selection punt by omitting Test tight forwards Scott Sio, Folau Fainga’a and Rory Arnold under the Wallabies rest protocol.
He has also demoted experienced lock Sam Carter to the bench following their 36-14 loss to the Queensland Reds two weeks ago.
Into the middle of the scrum comes the Brumbies’ version of the odd couple.
Well-travelled Scotsman Murray Douglas is joined by 21-year-old north Queenslander Darcy Swain, who last week signed a three-season contract extension.
Both will make their maiden Brumbies start and are determined to provide grunt against an All Blacks-laden Crusaders pack which is rarely bettered.
The hosts flexed their muscles last week in an emphatic 32-8 derby win over the Hurricanes and plenty is expected from them in their first match in Christchurch since the March 15 mosque terror attacks.
McKellar had no qualms testing the mettle of Douglas and Swain in such an environment and expects they will respond to the tense introspection the Brumbies have undergone since their meek loss to the Reds.
“It’s a great opportunity for players. It’s a special occasion, the Crusaders in Christchurch and there’s no bigger task in Super Rugby,” he said.
“You can’t pick and choose your moments. It’s professional rugby and you have to turn up every week.
“If you’re going to lack physical intent, then you’re going to get beaten.”
McKellar’s bench has an even leaner look, with hooker Connal McInerney and flanker Jahrome Brown poised for rare minutes. Prop Vunipola Fifita is in line for a Super Rugby debut.
Swain said the little-used forwards all regard the game as the perfect proving ground.
“The Crusaders are the gold standard in Super Rugby,” he said.
“I think they’re the No. 1 club side in the world.”
Crusaders assistant coach Brad Mooar expects a gritty encounter, which would typify their recent history against the Brumbies.
“We’ve never really put a complete performance against them over the last couple of years,” he said.
“We’ve managed to scrape wins but they’ve hung really tough and made it difficult for us so huge respect for what they bring.”