All Blacks playmaker Dan Carter starts at inside centre for the first time in seven years when the Crusaders take on the unbeaten Stormers in a round-eight Super Rugby clash in Christchurch on Saturday.
Carter last started in the No.12 jersey outside Andrew Mehrtens against the Waratahs in Sydney in 2005, but says he envisages no transitional problems shifting out from his usual five-eighth spot.
Rookie Tom Taylor will wear the No.10 jersey and assume goal-kicking responsibilities after Carter, recently back after a long lay-off with a groin injury, missed three penalty goals in the two-point loss to the Bulls in Pretoria last weekend.
Playing two specialist five-eighths will give the Crusaders left-foot (Carter) and right-foot (Taylor) kicking options, while Carter’s midfield presence will also shore up a defence which will need to be at its best to contain the forceful Stormers pairing of Jean de Villiers and Juan de Jongh.
“They are both great ball carriers, so it’s really important that defensively we are on our game,” Carter said.
“They’ve shown what a great defensive side they are so, when they do get opportunities with ball in hand, we’ve got to make sure our defence is sound as well.”
Carter says he’s happy to hand over goalkicking duties to Taylor while he works on strengthening his groin.
“Each week, it’s feeling a bit better, but the groin is still a little tight. Tom is an excellent goalkicker and it gives me a little more time to rehab the groin and get some power and strength there.”
Coach Todd Blackadder has made three changes to the team who lost to the Bulls. Ben Franks comes into the front row for his propping brother, Owen, and the taller Tom Donnelly gets the nod over Luke Romano at lock.
Taylor’s selection is at the expense of Ryan Crotty.
Stormers coach Allister Coetzee wants his team to lift their effort at the set piece and breakdowns against the seven-time champions, who are six places and nine points behind the visiting South Africans.
“They’ve got a quality tight five and are technically sound in all departments,” Coetzee said.
The Stormers have a dismal record against the Crusaders, with only four wins in 17 matches. The Crusaders have won five of the past six including two wins in Cape Town last year, the second being 29-10 in the semi-final.
Gavin Fernie
Guest
As an avowed fan of Carter, the best flyhalf I have sen in following rugby since 1949, I hope he can get back to full fitness. An incipient groin injury ended another great flyhalve's caree, namely Naas Botha.
Justin
Guest
But the load at 12 is heavier than the load at 10. He will be expected to run and tackle more at 12. The argument doesnt stack up in that regard.
AussieKiwi
Guest
Hmmm I have reservations about this but he was definitely (and understandably) below par against the Bulls. Given that statistically players are much more likely to get injured during the weeks after return from another injury (Drew Mitchell being the most unfortunate example of recent times) it may be a good move to take some of the load off him.
Moaman
Guest
I don't think Crotty is "struggling" though he may be affected by a recent injury.My point(above) about DC being average;his punting for space was woeful---unless he deliberately wanted to kick it down Kirchner's throat---he failed to threaten the line atall and resorted mainly to shovelling the ball along the line.Most un-Carterlike.The muffed goal-kicks merely highlighted his lack of confidence in his groin.
Justin
Guest
One of the best 10s ever being moved to accommodate a nobody? Not for me, if your 12 is struggling you do not move your all time 10 there to shore up the defence. No doubt DC will handle it but I doubt very much they will be a better side with him getting less touches...
Sylvester
Guest
Goal-kicking aside, his punting was well below par compared to Steyn. He'd normally rattle 50-plus metres with ease at Loftus. It put the Crusaders under immense pressure when they needed field position. The Crusaders backline is quite dysfunctional at the moment, but he wasn't to blame.
Geoff Brisbane now California
Guest
Hmmm likewise thought Carters kicking was off by general play and passing was great. Not bad to have all this talent available.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
DC was average (ok poor) with the boot but did ok during the game imo. Curious to see him alongside Fruean. I still like the fact that Blackadder moved him to n12 to give way to a youngster (taylor) at n10. Great team culture.
Moaman
Guest
I thought DC was decidedly average last week in the loss to the Bulls;Crotty can count himself a little unlucky but presumeably Blackadder thinks Carter's class will resurface soon and he needs to be on the park.