Home ground advantage could be decisive when the Crusaders and Highlanders meet in Christchurch in their opening Super 12 match on Saturday.

The big concerns for the Crusaders at this early stage are utility back Ben Blair (knee) and halfback Justin Marshall (foot), but both are making solid progress.

Key departures from the squad are former captain Todd Blackadder and lock Brad Thorn. Fijian winger Marika Vunibaka is suspended until March 31 after his indiscretions in the Sevens.

All Blacks prop Carl Hoeft will miss the opening game for the Highlanders with coach Laurie Mains easing him back into action following off-season surgery. Hoeft is expected to be ready to play against the Sharks at Carisbrook on March 2.

The big losses for the Highlanders are veterans Pita Alatini (Hurricanes), Brendan Laney(Scotland) and Kees Meeuws (Blues).

The Crusaders have enjoyed a successful pre-season, beating the Waratahs 33-31 and the Reds 26-19.

The Highlanders also looked impressive in their 45-18 win against the Chiefs.

Flanker Reuben Thorne must fill the big boots of Todd Blackadder as new Crusaders captain. Blackadder has moved to Scotland. Thorne has always been one of the Crusaders' best since his debut in 1997 and the challenge to keep his All Blacks jersey will provide the inspiration he needs to lead the side as Blackadder did.

Also look out for a rejuvenated Andrew Mehrtens after a disappointing 2001. The competition's leading points scorer, with 706, is back looking a lot fitter than he did last season.

Highlanders fans will be hoping former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains can lift the side to the same results he achieved with the Cats in South Africa. The Cats finished 11th in 1999, but under Mains, they finished fourth the following year and third last year.

He is back in New Zealand and already he has guided Otago to last year's NPC final.

The Crusaders boast an imposing line-up with 19 current or former internationals in the 26-man squad and it seems hard to imagine the players will repeat last year's 10th-placed finish - their worst since 1996 when they finished last.

The Highlanders are certainly not lacking in international talent either with names such as Taine Randell, Anton Oliver (pictured), Jeff Wilson and Byron Kelleher just to name a few.

It's tough to pick this one, but the Crusaders just might have enough at home.

Teams for Christchurch:

Crusaders: Leon MacDonald, Joe Maddock, Nathan Mauger, Aaron Mauger (v-capt), Caleb Ralph, Andrew Mehrtens, Justin Marshall, Scott Robertson, Richard McCaw, Reuben Thorne (capt), Norm Maxwell, Chris Jack, Greg Somerville, Mark Hammett, David Hewett. Substitutes: Corey Flynn, Greg Feek, Bradley Mika, Sam Broomhall, Ben Hurst, Daryl Gibson, Mark Robinson.

Highlanders: Willie Walker, Jeff Wilson, Ryan Nicholas, Paul Steinmetz, Aisea Tuilevu, Tony Brown, Byron Kelleher, Paul Miller, Craig Newby, Sam Harding/Kelvin Middleton, Simon Maling, Filipo Levi, Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver (capt), Joe McDonnell. Substitutes: Tom Willis, Marius Mostert, John Blaikie, Middleton/Harding, Billy Fulton, Seilala Mapusua, Romi Ropati.