Rugby: Bowden backs Carter to come right for ABs

Dan Carter again finds himself in the No12 jersey. Photo / Getty Images

Blues' first-five Dan Bowden knows what it's like to play outside Dan Carter and he insists the struggling All Black isn't finished yet.

Bowden played mostly at second-five at the Crusaders in 2010 after moving from the Highlanders and he starred in the relatively unfamiliar position in which Carter himself will play tonight against the Blues.

Bowden's quickness in terms of decision-making and footwork were a big part of the Crusaders' revival that year which finished in a semifinal loss to the Bulls in Soweto and his form and reputation was on the up before he decided to sign with London Irish and then Leicester.

With Colin Slade getting the nod at first-five for the Crusaders at AMI Stadium as the two teams prepare to meet for the first time this season, Carter again finds himself in the No12 jersey, but Bowden believes his former teammate has an important role there which could help him find the form to lead the All Blacks at the World Cup.

"Form is temporary as they say," Bowden said.

"He is world-class and has been for years. I'm sure with time in the saddle he'll get back to normal.

"It's really hard as a 10 if you've been out with injuries. You need constant playing time. I still expect come World Cup time he'll be running the cutter for New Zealand.

"Playing at No12 is different, but he'll be helping out Sladey immensely, being the eyes and the ears in the middle of the field.

"The organisation is a big role of a 12 these days. You have two types of 12, really, the big ball runner and gain-line type - Sonny Bill Williams or George Moala - or you have a Matt Giteau, Aaron Mauger-type of player, which is essentially another first-five playing a secondary pivot role. He's played for the All Blacks at 12 so that says it all I suppose."

The Blues, resting inspirational leader Jerome Kaino and fullback Charles Piutau, are missing their two best players, another blow for a team which has won only one game this season. Yet one more is the fact Patrick Tuipulotu, their rising All Black lock, is also out with a leg problem.

The Crusaders, meanwhile, have named all their big guns - Carter, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read and Nemani Nadolo - as they attempt to right a ship listing badly after two losses to the Chiefs and Highlanders, the southerners beating both the Crusaders and Blues recently.

Bowden believes the Crusaders will bring a structured approach as they go back to what they know best. But that's not to say there won't be plenty of running.

"They showed some stats recently that note the ball is in play the longest between New Zealand sides," Bowden said.

"That's just another thing we have to expect against a Crusaders team which has been going wide-wide in recent seasons.

"It means come the second half the boys are pretty out on their feet because there's a lot of sideways movement. It affects both teams' fitness.

"They're a fairly mobile pack. It's going to be a different challenge. The Highlanders are riding a massive wave of confidence and whatever they try seems to have come off. The Crusaders are probably a little bit more strategic - they'll go back to what they know and do best.

"It brings out the best in both teams."