26 Feb 2015

No Carter or Dagg for Crusaders

6:34 pm on 26 February 2015

Dan Carter's been ruled out for another Crusaders game, while fellow All Black Israel Dagg will also miss Saturday night's match against the Chiefs in Hamilton.

Both are recovering from injuries, so Colin Slade again starts at first five with Tom Taylor at fullback.

Daniel Carter was injured in the Super Rugby season opener against the Rebels

Daniel Carter was injured in the Super Rugby season opener against the Rebels Photo: Photosport

Carter should be fine after this week, though the Crusaders' next game is in mid-March, after the bye week, while Dagg has a slight quad tear and is expected to be fit again then too.

World Cup winner Andy Ellis will make his Crusaders return off the bench on Saturday, with Mitchell Drummond retained at halfback.

In the front row, Nepo Laulala comes into the starting XV for Owen Franks, who's been suspended for two weeks for striking.

Jordan Taufua starts at No.8 for Luke Whitelock, who takes a seat on the bench.

Alex Hodgman will join Joe Moody as prop cover in the reserves.

Crusaders:

1.Wyatt Crockett

2. Ben Funnell

3. Nepo Laulala

4. Luke Romano

5. Scott Barrett

6. Richie McCaw

7. Matt Todd (c)

8. Jordan Taufua

9. Mitchell Drummond

10. Colin Slade

11. Johnny McNicholl

12. Ryan Crotty

13. Kieron Fonotia

14. Robbie Fruean

15. Tom Taylor

Reserves:

16. Codie Taylor

17. Joe Moody

18. Alex Hodgman

19. Jimmy Tupou

20. Luke Whitelock

21. Andy Ellis

22. Nathaniel Apa

23. Nafi Tuitavake