All the hype was supposed to be about a Super 12 final repeat, but instead the Brumbies and Crusaders are reeling from one disaster after the other as they approach Friday's clash at Bruce Stadium.

First, All Blacks and Crusaders flyhalf Andrew Mehrtens withdrew from the game due to a long-term groin injury. Hot on the heels was his Brumbies counterpart Stephen Larkham with a hamstring strain.

Crusaders coach Robbie Deans and Brumbies coach Eddie Jones are hopeful their key playmakers will only be out for one game.

Unfortunately, the news is not so good for Jones and Wallaby second-rower David Giffin. The 26-cap Test lock fell awkwardly at training on the eve of the game and sustained serious ligament damage to his ankle. Early fears were that he broke the leg and was gone for the season, but x-rays proved otherwise and Giffin will only miss the first six weeks.

Former Australian Under 21 and Waratahs trialist David Pusey, who has impressed during the pre-season, replaces Giffin and has the first-up task of marking Crusaders and All Blacks captain Todd Blackadder.

"Off the bench was probably where I saw myself this year," Pusey said. "So coming up against him will be pretty exciting.

"I'll be marking him in the lineout, so hopefully I can steal a bit of ball off him."

Jones will use either Rod Kafer or youngster Craig McMullen in Larkham's spot, but said the final decision might not be made until just prior to the game.

The thoughtful Brumbies coach said the side had learnt plenty from last year's one-point loss to the Crusaders in the final and was a more mature outfit.

Despite the loss of such major players, the game still promises to be a highlight of the opening round of Super 12 fixtures. The Brumbies are the favourites to take this year's title, but the Crusaders are not far behind in the betting to claim an incredible fourth consecutive title.

"We learnt some pretty big lessons," Jones said of last year's final. "It was a bit like a fighter coming up against a wily old salt who just had one or two more tricks up his sleeve.

"(The Crusaders) have never seen David Pusey before and certainly they won't be too sure who's going to play at first five, so we might take a different approach into the game. We've got a fairly mature side, we've been together now for at least three years, the majority of the side, and we can handle setbacks like this."

Mehrtens headlines a serious injury problem for the Super 12 champions. Centres Mark Robinson (Achilles), Nathan Mauger (cracked rib), and All Blacks lock Norm Maxwell (muscle problem) were also not considered for the match. All Black prop Greg Feek has been bracketed with David Hewitt and a final decision will be made closer to Friday night's kick-off. New Zealand A prop Con Barrell will pack down at loosehead.

Aaron Mauger will replace Mehrtens and will share the kicking duties with fullback Ben Blair.

The significant change for the Crusaders from last year's final will be All Blacks No.8 Ron Cribb's move to Auckland. In his place comes Brisbane Broncos and Australian rugby league forward Brad Thorn. However, Thorn, who has made steady progress since switching codes late last year, will start from the bench with Sam Broomhall running on.

Mehrtens said Thorn had impressed all with his play.

"He's learning quickly and he certainly has the power to make a go of things," Mehrtens said. "He's also very quick for a big forward."

The other man on the field under the spotlight on Friday night will be South African referee Andre Watson. The Brumbies were hit hard by penalties during the pre-season with referees acting on an International Rugby Board edict to strongly police decoy moves and speed up play at the breakdown.