Super Rugby
Todd injured but it's smooth sailing for Carter
ESPN Staff
February 2, 2015
Matt Todd is due to captain the Crusaders in the opening weeks of Super Rugby © Getty Images
Enlarge

The Crusaders have suffered a setback ahead of their final trial against Queensland Reds with stand-in skipper Matt Todd picking up an ankle injury.

The injury - picked up in the 41-31 loss to the Hurricanes - isn't believed to be serious but won't please coach Todd Blackadder who already has enough to worry about, most notably the Crusaders' patchy pre-season form. Notoriously slow-starters in Super Rugby, the Crusaders suffered their second straight trial defeat at the weekend after they were beaten 29-26 by the Highlanders a week earlier.

There was some good news for Blackadder at the weekend with veteran fly-half Dan Carter negotiating 40 minutes of action in his first hit-out for 2015. Carter showed no signs of a niggling calf injury that limited his work over the off-season as he helped orchestrate a late Crusaders fightback.

"Dan Carter looked really sharp," Blackadder said. "He helped get us back into the game in the second half - just outstanding and showed all his experience."

Blackadder will have the option of resting Carter from this weekend's final trial but the 32-year-old 102-Test veteran is likely to want another run before Friday week's season opener against the Rebels in Christchurch. All Blacks utility Colin Slade will be available for the Reds clash but Richie McCaw won't feature, and may be eased back into action against the Rebels via the bench.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices