Rugby: Hamstring tear hobbles Carter's comeback plan

Dan Carter. Photo / Getty Images

As far as comebacks go, Dan Carter might have set a benchmark for an anti-climax.

The first five-eighths was yesterday named in the Crusaders run-in side to face the Chiefs tomorrow at Mt Maunganui.

Two hours later he left training after feeling his right hamstring tighten - the same muscle he pulled at Twickenham against the Sharks and saw him ruled out of last weekend's match against the Bulls in Timaru.

The initial diagnosis indicated no serious damage - assistant coach Daryl Gibson described it as "another little tear" - but it still came as a blow to the player and those who were headed to the Mount in the expectation of seeing him play his 200th first-class game.

Instead they will have to make do with the long-awaited return of All Blacks Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina.

McCaw has not played since the All Blacks completed their Grand Slam against the Welsh in Cardiff last year. He suffered a stress fracture in his right foot during pre-season shuttle-runs and has been rehabilitating since.

He has been named on the bench and is expected to be given at least 20 minutes against the faltering Chiefs.

Muliaina will return to his place as Chiefs' captain and custodian after breaking his back in the round three victory over the Rebels.

Carter's absence means a reprieve for Matt Berquist who will start at first-five against the Chiefs.

Owen Franks has returned to the starting line-up, meaning a shift for brother Ben to the loosehead side. Wyatt Crockett moves to the bench.

Perhaps more surprising was the resting of in-form halfback Andy Ellis.

Kahn Fotuali'i will get his first start of the season. In the corresponding fixture last year, Fotuali'i scored two tries in a narrow Crusaders' victory.

The Crusaders' depth and more particularly form, is no doubt envied by Chiefs' coach Ian Foster.

"[They] have a strong playing roster and are playing as well as I have seen them play and are no doubt very confident for this game," Foster said. "We are going to have to be strong and accurate in our play to combat them and we have focused hard on that all week."

The Chiefs are coming off a timely bye in an otherwise frustrating season.

Aside from Muliaina's return, the most significant feature of their side is Counties' powerhouse Fritz Lee's return to the starting side.

Hika Elliot is preferred at hooker to Aled de Malmanche, while Dwayne Sweeney has got the nod ahead of Tana Umaga at second five-eighths.

While the form guide points to a comfortable win for the visitors, Todd Blackadder said the conference format meant the derbies will always be hard-fought affairs.

"Traditionally they [derbies] always carry extra spice and it will be a tough, physical match up there.

"I was pleased with what we achieved against the Bulls in Timaru last weekend but we still have plenty to work on."

Mt Maunganui, 7.35pm tomorrow

CHIEFS
Mils Muliaina
Lelia Masaga
Richard Kahui
Dwayne Sweeney
Sitiveni Sivivatu
Mike Delany
Brendon Leonard
Fritz Lee
Tanerau Latimer
Liam Messam
Isaac Ross
Romana Graham
Ben Afeaki
Hika Elliot
Toby Smith

CRUSADERS
Israel Dagg
Sean Maitland
Robbie Fruean
S. B. Williams
Zac Guildford
Matt Berquist
Kahn Fotuali'i
Kieran Read (c)
Matt Todd
George Whitelock
Chris Jack
Brad Thorn
Owen Franks
Corey Flynn
Ben Franks

Chiefs: Aled de Malmanche, Nathan White, Craig Clarke, Scott Waldrom, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Tana Umaga, Tim Nanai-Williams.

Crusaders: Quentin MacDonald, Wyatt Crockett, Luke Romano, Richie McCaw, Andy Ellis, Tom Marshall, Adam Whitelock.