Crusaders

Dan Carter is back in his favoured first-five position for the Crusaders as they prepare to play the Blues in Christchurch on Saturday night.

You have to nod admiringly in the direction of Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder.

All Black first five-eighths Dan Carter will make his first start of the Super 15 season after being named in the Crusaders lineup for Sunday morning's match against the Lions in Johannesburg.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder won't be making an official complaint about the farcical time-keeping at Dunedin's indoor stadium last night, but called the situation "unacceptable'' and "amateurish''.

Dan Carter aims to return to Super Rugby in the Crusaders' first match at the new Christchurch Stadium against the Cheetahs on March 24.

The inclusion of Zac Guildford on the reserves bench is the only change to the Crusaders as they prepare to play the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday night.

Tomorrow marks an important milestone in the development of Christchurch Stadium with season tickets for all Super 15 Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby matches in 2012 going on sale to the public.

The Crusaders have named a powerful backline for their first pre-season match of the season, against the Highlanders in Greymouth on Friday.

A familiar feeling of dread gnawed at Israel Dagg as he enjoyed the last days of his summer break and contemplated returning to the Crusaders.

Money over sentiment has prompted the Crusaders to play their first ''home'' game of the upcoming Super Rugby season at Napier instead of Nelson or Timaru.