Crusaders and All Blacks star fly half Dan Carter has been ruled out of this week’s Super Rugby clash against the Stormers.
Carter was present at the Crusaders training session in Cape Town but has already been ruled out for this weekend’s big clash.
“He won’t be available for this week,” Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said.
“Dan’s done everything right (in recovery from a hip injury and hamstring niggle), but to put him out there this weekend we’d probably be compromising him” said
“We just want him to get through and train all week with the team and hopefully be available for selection next week.”
Carter has not played for a month now even though he was named on one team sheet and then removed an hour or so later. His last game was against the Sharks at Twickenham.
Blackadder however says that losing Carter was not too much of a blow, “We’ve been without Dan Carter for the last three weeks and Matt Berquist’s done a great job … and I see the Stormers’ first-five (Peter Grant) hasn’t been available either.
“This is all part of Super Rugby, really – very rarely do you get to put your best XV out on the park at any given time. ”
“The guys we have put out have done a fine job and we’ve got (loose forward) Kieran Read coming back after a two-week break, so we’re in a good space.”
Blackadder also said that powerful front rower Ben Franks would not be considered for selection this weekend.
“The signs are quite encouraging; he’s getting better day by day but we won’t risk him this week. ”
“We’ll assess him on Friday to see whether he stays on in South Africa or goes home early to get ready for the Chiefs (on May 21 in Nelson).”
Last year the Stormers beat the Crusaders 42-14 at Newlands but Blackadder said that was all in the past.
“Haven’t even talked about it and not interested in it! Last year we came a good second to a very good side and it’s a different season.”