By Alex Mitchell in Canberra

THE Brumbies will attack their biggest test of the Super Rugby Pacific season short-handed, missing seven of their Wallabies for their trip to Christchurch to face the Crusaders.

The national team’s World Cup resting policy means star back-rower Rob Valetini, fullback Tom Wright and halfback Nic White along with James Slipper and Peter Samu will miss the clash.

Fellow Wallabies Len Ikitau and Darcy Swain are out through injury, leaving plenty of inexperienced faces looking to end the Brumbies’ 11-game losing streak against the Crusaders.

They do get back Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa after he’s missed the Brumbies’ last two outings after a concussion he suffered against the Blues in Super Round.

Coach Stephen Larkham said the forced rotation was a chance for the club’s emerging depth to once again show they’re up to the task.

“We’ve had to rotate in a few areas, but we’ve backed our depth and our connection as a squad from the start and every player who gets on the plane knows the responsibility that comes with the jersey,” he said.

“We’ve laid a good foundation for the season in the first couple of weeks and we’re excited to get back to New Zealand as a group and take on this challenge against a side we have a lot of respect for.”

Five-eighth Noah Lolesio is joined in the halves by fellow Wallabies candidate Ryan Lonergan, the first time they’ve been used as a starting duo this season.

Wright’s absence sees winger Andy Muirhead shift to fullback after his double last weekend against Moana Pasifika, with rugby sevens convert pair Corey Toole and Ben O’Donnell on the wings.

Argentine halfback Pedro Rolando is an absolute bolter on the bench, the 33-year-old looking for his Brumbies debut after multiple state-league premierships across the last decade with the Canberra Royals.