Super Rugby: Carter in the mix for showdown at Chiefs

Dan Carter. Photo / Getty Images

Crusaders first-five considered for return after coming through training unscathed.

Dan Carter could make his comeback from injury on Saturday in what is becoming one of the fiercest rivalries in Super Rugby.

Crusaders' assistant coach Tabai Matson insisted his team's approach against the Chiefs was to have "all guns on deck" in Hamilton, meaning Carter would be considered if he was fit.

The 32-year-old was ruled out of last weekend's 26-20 victory over the Highlanders after hurting his lower right leg in the Crusaders' opening round defeat to the Rebels.

Details of the injury have been scarce, with Carter brushing it off despite his obvious pain at the time, but his performance in training yesterday was encouraging.

"It looked really positive today - he made it through about 90 per cent of training," he said. "We'll see how he rolls through today and tomorrow and on Thursday we'll name the team."

Asked if the All Blacks first-five was in the frame to play the Chiefs, Matson said: "Absolutely, but we have to keep in mind that there's 19 weeks potentially to go this season."

Fullback Israel Dagg's thigh injury has made Carter's return slightly more urgent for the Crusaders. Dagg didn't take any part in training after leaving the field in Dunedin late in the first half, a stint in which he looked sharp.

Colin Slade looked good at No10 against the Highlanders, but could be moved to fullback in Dagg absence if Carter is selected. If, as is more likely, neither Carter or Dagg are available, Tom Taylor will play at fullback.

Halfback Andy Ellis is likely to play following his return from Japan, while wing Nemani Nadolo may turn out for the Crusaders' development team.

The Crusaders beat the Chiefs at Waikato Stadium last season, a reason for Matson to be optimistic. However, his side finished poorly against the Highlanders after a bright start and a similar approach on Saturday would be punished.

Matson made no effort to downplay the rivalry developing between the two franchises, saying his team's bye to follow could be crucial in recovering from what will be a physical encounter.

"It's a critical battle for us so we're pretty pumped about the challenge up there with our ongoing rivalry against them. We can't wait."

When asked about the impending judicial decision on Owen Franks, following the prop's citing for striking or punching against Highlanders' opposite Josh Hohneck, Matson was cautious. "There were some pretty harsh penalties handed out in the weekend."

He need not have worried too much, with Franks banned for two weeks, but will miss only the Chiefs game. A technicality means that because he may have been involved in the development team's match during the bye weekend, he will be available for the following match against the Lions in Christchurch.

The decision will anger the Highlanders, who lost prop Kane Hames for five weeks after his punch on Crusaders lock Dominic Bird.

Meanwhile, Blues lock Hayden Triggs will miss one match following his red card against the Stormers.