Carter returns on the bench

Dan Carter is set to make his return to competitive rugby via the Crusaders bench against the Reds this weekend.

The All Blacks first five-eighth has been named among the Crusaders' substitutes for their trip to Brisbane to play the Reds.

Carter has been out since badly spraining his ankle in the Super 14 match against the Hurricanes at the end of March and coach Robbie Deans felt it was important to get his star playmaker back in the mix with the semi-finals looming.

"Physically he's ready to return but by bringing him back via the bench, we'll ease him back in slowly," Deans said.

"Given that he's been out of action for a month and has only had two training sessions this week to get into it with the team again, it's important that we don't load him up with too much too quickly."

The Christchurch-based franchise has already secured a home semi-final with two rounds of the regular season remaining so Deans has made five changes to his starting side as he looks to keep his players fresh for the play-offs.

Halfback Kahn Fotuali'i, number eight Mose Tuiali'i, lock Ross Filipo, hooker Ti'i Paulo and prop Wyatt Crockett have been elevated to the starting line-up with regular
starters Andrew Ellis, Ali Williams, Corey Flynn and Ben Franks on the bench.

"The changes are about keeping everyone fresh, but they are also rewarding some players who have been making a contribution towards the team's welfare and performance that hasn't always been seen by the public in terms of their involvement on the field," Deans told the Crusaders website, www.crusaders.co.nz.

"We are not for a second under-estimating the Reds. Queensland has always been a hard opponent - especially over there"