19 Feb 2015

Carter to miss Highlanders match

11:13 am on 19 February 2015

Crusaders first five eighth Dan Carter is expected to miss Saturday's Super Rugby derby against the Highlanders in Dunedin with a leg injury.

Daniel Carter in the Super Rugby season opener against the Melbourne Rebels

Daniel Carter in the Super Rugby season opener against the Melbourne Rebels Photo: Photosport

Carter went off in their loss to the Rebels on Friday after injuring the same leg he broke in last year's Super Rugby final.

However the assistant coach Aaron Mauger says it's unrelated and not a serious injury.

Mauger says Carter might have been able to play, but they didn't want any interruptions in their preparation for the match.

Colin Slade is likely to replace Carter at first five-eighth after playing fullback in the opener, with Israel Dagg likely to come into the side after missing last week's match.

Meanwhile, veteran halfback Andy Ellis is back in camp with the team and edging closer to a Super Rugby return.

Ellis has ended a stint with the Kobelco Steelers in Japan and has returned to Christchurch to help fill the void left by fellow No.9 Willi Heinz, who was injured in a pre-season match.

Mauger says they're just waiting on the results of a medical and to complete all the paperwork before he can officially rejoin the squad.