Carter finally back at flyhalf
The Crusaders experiment with Dan Carter at inside centre appears to have come to an end with the star flyhalf in the No.10 jersey for the clash with the Blues in Christchurch on Saturday.
Carter takes over from Tom Taylor, who is unavailable for selection this week after a minor quadriceps strain, while Ryan Crotty slots into the midfield.
Coach Todd Blackadder has made seven changes to the starting XV from the side that lost to the Melbourne Rebels last weekend.
All Blacks Israel Dagg and Andy Ellis return to the backline, with Tom Marshall and Willi Heinz forced onto the bench. Adam Whitelock also makes a comeback and has replaced Sean Maitland out on the right wing.
In the forwards tearaway Matt Todd returns to the side of the scrum, while captain Richie McCaw will wear the No.8 jersey. Kieran Read and Luke Whitelock were both unavailable for selection due to injuries sustained during last week’s game.
Read is still recovering from a heavy fall onto his pelvis, and Whitelock is being rested after a minor head injury.
Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Adam Whitelock, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Richie McCaw (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Tom Donnelly, 19 Brendon O’Connor, 20 WIlli Heinz, 21 Tyler Bleyendaal, 22 Tom Marshall.
Date: Saturday, May 19
Venue: Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Glen Jackson (New Zealand), Jonathon White (New Zealand)
TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
