The waiting is almost over for the Crusaders.
Not only is Dan Carter about to return from injury, but big guns Kieran Read, Sam Whitelock and Nemani Nadolo are also about to be unleashed against a Lions team probably still on a high from beating the Blues.
Read and Whitelock, back from their All Black-enforced rest, and big wing Nadolo, back from a stint in Japan, will add much-needed punch to a team which has looked below par this season - first half against the Highlanders excepted.
Their 40-16 defeat to the Chiefs in Hamilton before their recent bye prompted soul searching in Christchurch and, although the returning trio can't do it all themselves, they can play a big part in righting the ship. Nadolo was a massive attacking weapon for them last year, scoring 12 tries, so he in particular will give Todd Blackadder's men a big boost on home turf on Saturday.
Blackadder will name his team tomorrow, with Carter, who has recovered from his lower leg injury suffered in round one against the Rebels, likely to slot back into No 10. Israel Dagg's thigh problem means the Crusaders are after a reliable fullback and Colin Slade fits the bill there, despite his good form at first-five.
