Cater to return from bench

ALL BLACKS pivot Dan Carter is likely to make his Super Rugby return via the bench when the Crusaders take on the Cheetahs at Christchurch Stadium on Saturday night.

Carter has not played since suffering a Rugby World Cup-ending groin injury last year.

Coach Todd Blackadder says the first five would not be rushed and his workload will be managed in a similar way to how Israel Dagg’s comeback from his quadricep injury was handled.

“We just managed Israel Dagg over the last month or so of Super Rugby without playing him at fullback and kicking the ball, so we expect to do the same with DC,” he says.

It means Carter is likely to start the match against the South African outfit from the bench.

“I think you'd expect Daniel to be in the 22,” says Blackadder.

“Whether he starts we still have to make a decision, but we are just really pleased that we are going to be able to include him... (he is) more likely to be on the bench, to be honest.

“He's 100 percent except for his goalkicking, but he just needs to do a little bit more work.”

Having come off the bye, the Crusaders will be desperate to win after suffering back-to-back losses to Highlanders and Chiefs in what will be their first match in Christchurch in almost two years.

They are expected to name their team on Thursday.