Carter to return off bench

DAN CARTER is to make his return from injury off the bench when the Crusaders take on the Cheetahs at the new Christchurch Stadium on Saturday night.

Coach Todd Blackadder has made five changes to the side that lost to the Chiefs in round three.

Israel Dagg shifts to his preferred fullback position, with Sean Maitland and Zac Guildford to operate on the wings, and Ryan Crotty returns from injury to take his place at second five.

Tom Taylor replaces Tyler Bleyendaal at first five, with Cater taking his place in the reserves.

Should Carter get on, it will be his first game since a groin injury ended his Rugby World Cup campaign last year.

There are two changes in the pack, with the two of the Whitelock brothers – Sam and Luke – earning starts at lock and blindside flanker respectively.

Ross Kennedy comes on to the bench and is joined there by wider training group member Brendon O’Connor.

This will be the Crusaders' first game in Christchurch in nearly two years.

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Sean Maitland, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Zac Guildford, Tom Taylor, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (c), Matt Todd, Luke Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks
Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Wyatt Crockett, Ross Kennedy, Brendon O’Connor, Willie Heinz, Dan Carter, Tom Marshall