Rugby: McCaw, Carter bolster Crusaders' derby chances

Richie McCaw will return to the number 7 jersey this weekend. Photo / Getty Images

Todd Blackadder is tiring of his team's inconsistency, so while there was bite to his comments about the Chiefs ahead of tomorrow's derby clash, he is preferring to let the Crusaders' actions do the talking.

Some of that sentiment also comes from the thrashing the Chiefs handed out in the first encounter between the teams in Hamilton in February, a 40-16 defeat which left the Crusaders humiliated and the home team crowing.

"It was probably one of the most disappointing performances I've been involved with, so not great memories and it's our opportunity to turn the tables," he said.

"They're talking up a big game this week and it's a big game for us. They're always epic battles.

"Last time we got out-muscled, we got out-worked, they were hungrier than what we were. We can only [remedy] that through our actions. We've yet to do that but we're certainly up for the challenge."

Left on the reserves bench last weekend in the 25-20 loss to the Highlanders in Christchurch, All Blacks Richie McCaw and Dan Carter will start against the Chiefs.

McCaw replaces Matt Todd in the No7 jersey, while Carter will play at second-five after Ryan Crotty was ruled out with concussion. Blackadder will need big performances from both for the Crusaders to be competitive against a team which now must rate as their biggest rivals.

Loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett and lock Luke Romano will also start, but All Blacks teammate Owen Franks makes way for Nepo Laulala at tighthead prop.

A massive plus is the availability of wing Nemani Nadolo after the big Fijian left the field with a knee injury against the Highlanders as the Crusaders chased the game. The departure of Nadolo, who had a hand in both their tries, robbed the Crusaders of their best attacking weapon.

Skipper Kieran Read is expecting the Chiefs to follow the Highlanders' lead and pressure the home team's attack through line-speed on defence.

He said it was important to react to the Chiefs' tactics, adding that referee Nick Briant had assistants if the visitors pushed the offside line too far. "If they're doing their job then great, but we can't worry too much about the ref. If we're worrying about him then there's 15 guys in that Chiefs team who are more than capable of putting us under pressure."