Crusaders pick Bowden - Brett leaves

Daniel Bowden is joining the Crusaders next year with first-five Stephen Brett (inset) joining the Blues.

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Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has picked a predictable squad for next year's Super 14 with the biggest surprise being the drafting of Daniel Bowden from Auckland.

Bowden has been selected as a back-up for All Blacks first five-eighths Dan Carter because an arrangement made prior to yesterday's draft selection meeting meant Canterbury's Stephen Brett was always going to head to the Blues - effectively taking Bowden's place in that squad - before returning south for his provincial duties.

Colin Slade also provides back-up at No 10 but has been listed as a fullback along with Jared Payne who is registered with Canterbury but was loaned back to Northland for the Air New Zealand Cup.

Blackadder has gone for a 15-13 split favouring his forwards, with two of his three newcomers in the pack. They are tighthead prop Peter Borlase and lock Sam Whitelock. Centre Robbie Fruean who transferred to Canterbury recently has been confirmed as the man to replace the departing Casey Laulala.

CRUSADERS SQUAD FOR 2010:

Wyatt Crockett, Owen Franks, Ben Franks, Peter Borlase, Corey Flynn, Ti'i Paulo, Brad Thorn, Isaac Ross, Chris Jack, Sam Whitelock, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, George Whitelock, Jonathan Poff, Thomas Waldrom, Andy Ellis, Kahn Fotuali'i, Daniel Carter, Daniel Bowden, Ryan Crotty, Tim Bateman, Robert Fruean, Adam Whitelock, Sean Maitland, Kade Poki, Zac Guildford, Colin Slade, Jared Payne.