Rugby: Carter back for Crusaders

Dan Carter is returning to the Crusaders for their next Super 14 match.

All Blacks Daniel Carter, Brad Thorn, Kieran Read, Zac Guildford and Owen Franks return to a powerful Crusaders starting 15 amid seven personnel changes to play the Force in a Super 14 rugby match Perth on Friday.

Carter was passed fit at training yesterday to return after a hip injury forced him out of the 45-6 win over the Cheetahs which saw the Crusaders claim the competition lead on points differential.

Read reclaims the No 6 jersey from George Whitelock after being sidelined with a shoulder injury, while lock Thorn and winger Guildford return from the bench to replace Sam Whitelock and Jared Payne (concussion) respectively.

In other changes, Adam Whitelock returns to the right wing and Sean Maitland shifts to fullback, relegating Colin Slade to the bench; centre Robbie Fruean replaces Tim Bateman and prop Franks replaces fellow All Black Wyatt Crockett, with his brother Ben Franks shifting to loosehead.

The other talking point was at halfback where the in-form Kahn Fotuali'i retained the No 9 jersey ahead of a fit-again All Black Andy Ellis (concussion) who returns to the bench.

Payne wasn't among the 25-man squad who left Christchurch this morning, but he could be considered for the two-match South African tour starting next week if he makes a sufficient recovery.

CRUSADERS:

Sean Maitland, Adam Whitelock, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Zac Guildford, Daniel Carter, Kahn Fotuali'i, Thomas Waldrom, Richie McCaw (captain), Kieran Read, Chris Jack, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Ti'i Paulo, Ben Franks.

RESERVES:

Daniel Perrin, Wyatt Crockett, Sam Whitelock, George Whitelock, Andy Ellis, Daniel Bowden, Colin Slade.

- NZPA