Jack ready to give all for crusade, says Blackadder

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Todd Blackadder is adamant his old team-mate Chris Jack will get no preferential treatment next year.

As expected, Jack was named in the Crusaders squad yesterday – his first step in his aspiration to win back the All Blacks jersey he last wore at the 2007 World Cup.

Jack, 31, played 67 tests following his debut in 2001 and when his career was on the rise played alongside Blackadder, now his boss, with Canterbury and the Crusaders.

Crusaders head coach Blackadder says there will be no favours offered or expected between the pair: "There are absolutely no guarantees to anyone. We had some open discussions with him about his motives for coming back. His motivation had to be sound and genuine and he wants to be a Crusader again, win titles with his mates and be an All Black."

In 2007, Jack signed a two-year contract with London club Saracens followed by a short stint with South African side Western Province this winter before returning home.

After leaving New Zealand, Jack indicated he had little desire to return to play in New Zealand again, but Blackadder said he would not be lacking in drive on the paddock.

"I know him really well and I can assure you he is coming back to roll his sleeves up."

Minor wrist surgery will delay Jack's return next season, meaning Blackadder will have to look at All Blacks Brad Thorn and Isaac Ross, along with rookie Sam Whitelock, as his options at lock for the opening rounds.

Managing Thorn, who turns 35 on March 2, will be a priority and that is some of the logic behind recruiting Jack who has signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union until 2011.

"You can't keep flogging the horse because it will eventually burn out," Blackadder said in reference to Thorn.

Despite his reputation, Jack did not prove a huge hit with Saracens as he was often played at No6, was hampered by injury and the club was unsettled towards the end of his tenure before he left for South Africa.

"I don't think he had a great experience overseas, so he is really happy to be back and is in a good space," Blackadder said.

Meanwhile, Blackadder said some sage advice from former Crusaders coach Robbie Deans proved instrumental in the surprise inclusion of Auckland first five-eighth Daniel Bowden in the squad.

"We just needed some depth. That is something Robbie told me, he never went into any campaign without three capable No10s.

"I have always had that niggling in the back of my mind and the logic is sound."

Bowden will back up Daniel Carter, while Colin Slade, who played at first-five and wing during this year's Super 14, and will be considered as a fullback for next year's campaign, is another option at No10.

Pre-season training begins on December 10 with the first pre-season match against the Reds in Brisbane on January 29, followed by another against the Blues in Motueka on February 4.

- © Fairfax NZ News