Rugby: Tyler may be the perfect 10

Crusaders first-five Tyler Bleyendaal. Photo / Getty Images

Crusaders first five-eighths Tyler Bleyendaal is in pole position to fill Daniel Carter's boots against the Blues in Friday's opening Super Rugby match.

Coach Todd Blackadder confirmed that, injury permitting; Bleyendaal was his first choice replacement for Carter. Tom Taylor has also been tried in the 10 jersey pre-season.

"Tyler played really well and he's on track to play against the Blues at first five-eighth, injury permitting," Blackadder said. "It was a typical pre-season game tonight when everyone is really waiting for the big stuff to start next week.

"If we want to win the Super 15 this year we will have to avoid making as many mistakes, starting against the Blues."

The former New Zealand under-20s captain was impressive throughout the 80 minutes, creating Israel Dagg's try after16 minutes of a competitive first half. Bleyendaal converted the try to give the visitors the lead.

He produced a try-saving tackle on Lachlan Mitchell on 24 minutes but the Crusaders paid the penalty for not clearing their lines when Gareth Delve went over to open the scoring for the hosts.

Second five-eighths Taylor saw little of the ball in the first-half but was one of several Crusaders exposed when Wallabies international James O'Connor danced through Canterbury's defence for the hosts' second try.

O'Connor converted to put the Rebels 14-7 up at half-time. The Crusaders regrouped and levelled the score on 42 minutes when Bleyendaal tore through the Rebels defence and off-loaded to Dagg who went over for his second try.

Adam Whitelock scored the match-winning try on 47 minutes when Bleyendaal kicked through the Rebels defensive line for Canterbury's outside centre to claim the ball and touch down.

Bleyendaal's only blemish on the night was missing the conversion.

Wooden spooners in last year's competition, when they won just three of 16 fixtures in their inaugural season, the Rebels showed a marked improvement last night.

While a 36-0 defeat against the Chiefs a fortnight ago followed by another 10-point loss to Auckland last week has left new coach Damien Hill without a win in his first three matches, the Rebels showed enough with their strongest team on the field to suggest they may enjoy an improved season this year.

Last season's hot property O'Connor showed brilliant footwork to score his first try for his new club. O'Connor also popped a ball for tireless No8 Gareth Delve to score in the 23rd minute.