Brumbies coach Jake White named the team for the clash at Canberra Stadium, making just one change to the starting side which demolished the Western Force last weekend.

Palmer returns to the front row after being rested and rising prop Scott Sio moves back to the bench.

White has opted to make minimal changes to ensure the Brumbies remain in peak form before a bye next weekend.

Beating long-time rivals the Crusaders would keep the Brumbies at the top of the ladder heading into their last four games of the season.

The Brumbies and the Crusaders have built a healthy rivalry in Super Rugby.

They faced off in three finals between 2000-04, the Crusaders winning two and the Brumbies clinching the 2004 championship.

The new generation Brumbies are lining up against the Crusaders for the first time.

The teams didn't meet in White's first year in charge and the last time they clashed was when the Crusaders smashed the Brumbies in Nelson in 2011.

The match will also see club legend George Smith set a new record for the most matches played for the Brumbies.

Smith will earn his 137th Brumbies cap, passing his former teammate and Wallabies captain George Gregan.

Smith made a shock comeback to Australian rugby this year, signing a short-term deal to play with the Brumbies until the end of May.

However, David Pocock's season-ending knee injury led to the champion flanker getting a clearance from his Japanese club Suntory to stay in Canberra for the remainder of the season and any potential finals campaign.

Super Rugby round 12

Sunday: ACT Brumbies v Canterbury Crusaders at Canberra Stadium, 4.05pm.

Brumbies: 1. Ben Alexander, 2. Stephen Moore, 3. Dan Palmer, 4. Peter Kimlin, 5. Sam Carter, 6. Ben Mowen, 7. George Smith, 8. Fotu Auelua, 9. Nic White, 10. Matt Toomua, 11. Joseph Tomane, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Henry Speight, 15. Jesse Mogg. Reserves: 16. Siliva Silia, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Leon Power, 19. Colby Faingaa, 20. Ian Prior, 21. Pat McCabe, 22. Robbie Coleman.