This curious Super 15 season just got a little more weird yesterday as a hopelessly out-of-sorts Crusaders relied once more on the boot of Tom Taylor to eke out a victory.

You have to nod admiringly in the direction of Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder. Most thought his decision to start the world's best first five-eighths

In a surprise move, All Blacks first-five Dan Carter will play at second-five for the Crusaders against the Stormers in Christchurch on Saturday night.

It is a very ordinary card of games this weekend, possibly the single worst of the tournament, so this game of mild interest is elevated beyond its station.