No Carter, no worries

Not seeing Dan Carter in action for the Crusaders this season will be like visiting the Louvre Museum to view the Mona Lisa before being told it has temporarily been stored in the attic above the men's urinals.

Frustratingly, you know the masterpiece is still around but there is no chance of a look.

In the case of Carter, the only way Crusaders fans will see him in action is if they flick on the Rugby Channel and watch him turn out for French club Perpignan.

For new Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder this is not a issue worth dwelling on and he will know there is little point worrying about the massive hole Carter has left.

If Blackadder wants to go down that track, he could also lament the absence of the vastly experienced Reuben Thorne and Greg Somerville and Mose Tuiali'i, a No 8 who never got the recognition he deserved from the All Blacks selectors. Then he could think about what would be if he still had Ali Williams, Campbell Johnstone, Caleb Ralph and Scott Hamilton . . .

So it is somewhat remarkable that, despite the defections of such high-profile players, the new Crusaders coaching team of Blackadder, Mark Hammett and Daryl Gibson still have a squad capable of having a stab at another Super 14 title.

Of the possible starting lineup in the forwards, there are only two positions - loosehead prop and No 8 - where the Crusaders will not field All Blacks.

Prop Ben Franks toured with the All Blacks at the end of last season along with rake Corey Flynn (before he was invalided home with another broken arm) and fellow bookend Wyatt Crockett has mysteriously missed out winning an international callup. While Williams' decision to return to the Blues takes some value out of the tight five, Brad Thorn provides a mountain of grit and power in the second row and fellow All Black Ross Filipo will be eager for a season without injury.

If there is one player to challenge the belief that Carter is the best player to pull on a Crusaders jersey, it is skipper Richie McCaw. Last year his efforts in the No 7 jersey moved All Blacks forwards coach Steve Hansen to label him the best opensider to represent his country. It was a powerful statement to make but it sums up his value. McCaw will again work in tandem with new All Black Kieran Read, while Tuiali'i's departure means Thomas Waldrom will probably get the early running at No 8.

Just how the backline operates depends on whether Stephen Brett can remain injury free and retain his form at first-five. Colin Slade's form during the Air New Zealand Cup for Canterbury has fuelled expectations he can cope with the Super 14, but Brett is now in his fourth year at this level and should have absorbed plenty of knowledge under Carter.

And so on it goes. Tim Bateman and Casey Laulala provided former coach Robbie Deans with a solid midfield in the playoffs last year and, despite some shaky form later in the season, rookie wing Kade Poki was retained for those sudden death matches. Sean Maitland will aim to overcome last year's disappointing season after losing his place to Scott Hamilton in the finals and All Blacks fullback Leon MacDonald will provide a tonne of experience at the back.

The biggest concern for the Crusaders is long-term injuries in key positions. When Carter was sidelined for almost a month last season they still won all four matches, but whether the loss of the likes of Brett, MacDonald or McCaw could be overcome is questionable.

CRUSADERS: Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Bronson Murray, Corey Flynn, Jason Macdonald, Brad Thorn, Ross Filipo, Isaac Ross, Michael Paterson, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, George Whitelock, Thomas Waldrom, Nasi Manu, Jonathan Poff, Andy Ellis, Kahn Fotuali'i, Colin Slade, Stephen Brett, Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty, Casey Laulala, Adam Whitelock, Kade Poki, Sean Maitland, Jared Payne, Leon MacDonald.

NEWCOMERS FOR 2009: Jason Macdonald, Owen Franks, Bronson Murray, Jonathan Poff, Colin Slade, Ryan Crotty, Adam Whitelock, Jared Payne, Isaac Ross, Thomas Waldrom.

GONE FROM 2008: Dan Carter, Reuben Thorne, Greg Somerville, Ali Williams, Campbell Johnstone, Mose Tuiali'i, Caleb Ralph, Scott Hamilton, Hamish Gard, Ti'i Paulo (injured).

CAPTAIN: Richie McCaw

COACHES: Todd Blackadder, Mark Hammett, Daryl Gibson.

- © Fairfax NZ News