MELBOURNE (Reuters) - The ACT Brumbies will risk their perfect start to the season when they send an understrength team to face champions Canterbury Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific on Friday.

With four straight wins, the Canberra-based side have not put a foot wrong on the field but the staff's decision to rest a slew of test players for the weekend's opener in Christchurch has wrongfooted more than a few fans.