Carter to remain at 12

DAN CARTER is likely to remain at second five when the Crusaders play the Hurricanes in Wellington this Saturday.

Carter played outside Tom Taylor – who scored all of his side’s points in the 31-24 victory over the Stormers last weekend – in an attempt to counter the South Africans' suffocating defence and to add another kicking option in the midfield.

Fans should get used to seeing the All Blacks pivot in the No 12 jersey, as he is likely to play there again this weekend.

“Tom and Dan, their combination worked really well together, and we would like to see that again. I don't think it really matters what jersey Dan is wearing for this match – it really doesn't matter – and I think we witnessed that on Saturday night by the way they shared the kicking [in general play],” says coach Todd Blackadder.

Right wing Sean Maitland could be in doubt if he fails to recover from the sprained ankle that forced him from the field against the Stormers. He could be replaced by Patrick Osborne or Tom Marshall

The Crusaders will name their team on Thursday.