Rugby: Carter on bench in Crusaders return

Dan Carter. Photo / Getty Images

All Black first five-eighth Dan Carter has been named on the Crusaders bench for Sunday's Super 15 encounter with the Rebels in Christchurch.

Carter has missed the last four games for the Crusaders after sitting out the South African tour to attend the birth of his son before straining a hamstring in Perth which ruled him out of matches against the Force and Highlanders.

Carter, who will wear the 21 jersey, last played against the Kings on March 23, kicking 16 points in a 55-20 thrashing of the South African newcomers.

Tyler Bleyendaal will once again start at in the number 10 jersey.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made four changes to the starting side that played the Highlanders last weekend including the dropping of Robbie Fruean, who scored against the Highlanders last weekend.

Joe Moody starts as loosehead prop moving Wyatt Crockett to the bench. Willi Heinz starts as halfback while Tom Taylor makes the starting XV as inside centre moving Ryan Crotty to the number 13 jersey.

Blackadder is enthusiastic about the afternoon fixture.

"It will be great to be playing with a bit of sun on our backs and is an ideal day out for families. The early kick off time makes it a fantastic opportunity to bring the kids along," he said.

Crusaders team to play the Rebels:
1. Joe Moody, 2. Corey Flynn, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Luke Romano, 5. Sam Whitelock, 6. George Whitelock (c), 7. Matt Todd, 8. Luke Whitelock, 9. Willi Heinz, 10. Tyler Bleyendaal, 11.Zac Guildford, 12.Tom Taylor, 13.Ryan Crotty, 14.Tom Marshall, 15.Israel Dagg. Reserves: 16. Ben Funnell, 17. Wyatt Crockett, 18. Dominic Bird, 19. Jordan Taufua, 20. Andy Ellis, 21. Dan Carter, 22. Adam Whitelock.

- nzherald.co.nz