Heavy guns to face Blues

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Coach Todd Blackadder will wheel out his heavy artillery for the Crusaders' final Super 14 warmup match tomorrow night.

Despite having had only a handful of contact-training sessions to acclimatise, most of Blackadder's All Blacks have been named in the 27-man team to meet the Blues in Motueka as they race the clock to be ready for the opening-round match against the Highlanders at Christchurch's AMI Stadium on February 13.

Not surprisingly, most eyes will be on the man wearing the No10 jersey as Dan Carter makes his first appearance for the Crusaders since the win over the Waratahs in the 2008 final.

Carter is one of just three touring All Blacks – along with backs Zac Guildford and Andy Ellis – to be named in the starting XV.

Skipper Richie McCaw is still officially on leave, and will remain so until at least after the second round.

Several players have been ruled out with injury, including second five-eighths Tim Bateman and Ryan Crotty, wing Sean Maitland, halfback Kahn Fotuali'i and prop Wyatt Crockett.

Lock Chris Jack continues his wrist rehabilitation after surgery.

Blackadder, who has included development player Tom Taylor – son of former All Blacks midfielder Warwick Taylor – in the reserves, is expected to give most, if not all, players a run this week.

Although internationals Brad Thorn, Kieran Read, Corey Flynn and Owen Franks are likely to force their way into the side for the Highlanders match, the selection of Jared Payne as the starting fullback could indicate that Blackadder is considering him ahead of Colin Slade for that match.

Having travelled by bus to Nelson on Monday, the Crusaders have stationed themselves in the city for their pre-season "camp".

About 10,000 supporters are expected at the ground tomorrow night.

Ground facilities have been bolstered by a temporary 3400-seat stand.

Meanwhile, former Canterbury halfback Steve Alfeld has signed for Tasman as a replacement for Fotuali'i, who will play for the Hurricanes next year.

Fotuali'i signed for Hawkes Bay when it was uncertain whether Tasman would have a place in next year's Air New Zealand Cup.

He was offered more money by Hawkes Bay, and the Hurricanes, which drafted Tyson Keats, will be looking for backup to Piri Weepu if he sticks around.

CRUSADERS: Jared Payne, Zac Guildford, Robbie Fruean, Adam Whitelock, Kade Poki, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Thomas Waldrom, George Whitelock, Tom Wheeler, Isaac Ross, Sam Whitelock, Peter Borlase, Ti'i Paulo, Ben Franks.

Reserves: Corey Flynn, Brad Thorn, Kieran Read, Jonathan Poff, Willi Heinz, Tom Taylor, Ash Parker, Quentin MacDonald, Colin Slade, Matt Todd, Andrew Olorenshaw, Owen Franks.

- © Fairfax NZ News