Dan Carter will have to continue to wait for his Blues debut, left out of coach Leon MacDonald's match-day 23 for this weekend's Super Rugby Aotearoa top-of-the-table showdown against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
After the 38-year-old made a successful return to club rugby with his hometown Southbridge last weekend, the 112-Test All Black was in line for his first Blues appearance after signing for the Auckland side earlier this year.
TVNZ News reports that vital match practice had given fans hope that Carter would make his Blues debut against his former side the Crusaders, who he played 141 games for.
That's not to be, with Otere Black again trusted with the number 10 jersey, with Harry Plummer and Beauden Barrett likely cover if required.
Elsewhere, the Blues' game plan will appear to be aimed towards kicking to put the Crusaders under pressure, with Plummer starting in the number 12 jersey, relegating TJ Fai-ane to the bench.
The Blues will face the Crusaders at 7.05 pm Saturday.
[Source: TVNZ]
