Rugby: Guildford back, Carter to miss SA trip

Zac Guildford returns for a Crusaders training session at Rugby Park. Photo / Geoff Sloan

Zac Guildford has been named on the bench for the Crusaders' Super 15 clash against competition new comers the Southern Kings this Saturday.

The former All Blacks' wing has played only part of a pre-season game for his Hawkes Bay club Napier Tech after withdrawing from the Crusaders in late January and attending a month-long alcohol rehabilitation course.

Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder has made four changes to the team that played the Bulls last weekend.

In the starting side Willi Heinz takes the number 9 jersey with former All Black halfback Andy Ellis moves to the bench while lock Luke Romano returns from injury.

On the bench, Codie Taylor will have the opportunity to make his first appearance for the Crusaders.

Meanwhile first five-eighth Dan Carter said today that he won't be travelling to South Africa with the side due to the impending birth of his first child.

The Crusaders head to the Republic next week to face the Stormers and Sharks before playing the Force in Perth.

Crusaders team to play the Kings:
1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Corey Flynn, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Luke Romano, 5. Samuel Whitelock, 6. George Whitelock, 7. Matt Todd, 8. Kieran Read (c), 9. Willi Heinz, 10. Dan Carter, 11. Johnny McNicholl, 12. Ryan Crotty, 13. Robbie Fruean, 14. Tom Marshall, 15. Israel Dagg

Reserves: 16. Codie Taylor, 17. Joe Moody, 18. Dominic Bird, 19. Luke Whitelock, 20. Andy Ellis, 21. Tyler Bleyendaal, 22. Zac Guildford