The reassuring sight of Dan Carter on the bench will bring confidence to a Crusaders outfit desperate to arrest their poor start to the season when they take on the Cheetahs on Saturday night.
More significantly, however, it will be the first time the Crusaders have played in Christchurch for nearly two years after the earthquakes of February 22 made it impossible to play at AMI Stadium. They will play at their new temporary home at Rugby League Park.
Carter has been named on the bench for the first time since the serious groin injury cut short his World Cup. Tom Taylor will start at first five-eighths but Carter is bound to see some time.
Fellow All Black Israel Dagg returns to his preferred position of fullback, with Sean Maitland and Zac Guildford playing on the wings. Ryan Crotty returns from injury and will play at second five-eighths.
Crusaders team to play the Cheetahs:
Israel Dagg, Sean Maitland, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Zac Guildford, Tom Taylor, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Luke Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Wyatt Crockett, Ross Kennedy, Brendon O'Connor, Willi Heinz, Dan Carter, Tom Marshall.
