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Dan Carter of the Crusaders - Source: Photosport -
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Dan Carter hasn't forgotten the Crusaders.
Unlike injured captain Richie McCaw, who often visits their training base at Rugby Park and accompanied them to several pre-season matches, Carter hasn't been sighted at the Crusaders since going on extended leave following the World Cup.
But the All Blacks first five-eighth, who was ruled out of the global tournament when he tore the adductor longus tendon in his left groin, has still been keeping in regular touch with the Crusaders.
Coach Todd Blackadder said the "power of the internet" had enabled Carter to observe the game plans the Crusaders had implemented during their trial matches against the Melbourne Rebels, Hurricanes and Highlanders.
"He has been emailing us all the time and he has watched all of our games," Blackadder said. "He has been actively involved ... on all our moves."
Carter married longtime partner Honor Dillon late last year before they went overseas for their honeymoon.
Blackadder said Carter would join the Crusaders early next month.
He is not expected to appear on the Super stage until their fifth-round match against the Cheetahs at Christchurch Stadium on March 24 and is likely to represent their development team, the Knights, earlier in the month.
Tyler Bleyendaal was yesterday named to start at first-five against the Blues at Eden Park tomorrow night. Tom Taylor, originally listed in the reserves and who can cover first and second-five, has been replaced by wing Patrick Osborne.
If Bleyendaal is injured, second-five Ryan Crotty or Tom Marshall are likely to shift to fill the playmaker's position.
