The Crusaders have begun to prepare for life without Dan Carter by locking-in Tom Taylor and Tyler Bleyendaal for next year.
Although yet to confirm he will skip next season’s Super Rugby competition, Carter is expected to activate the sabbatical clause in his New Zealand Rugby Union contract and take a complete break for six months or play in Japan probably after the All Blacks' northern tour.
The impact of losing the first five-eighth from the Crusaders’ campaign has been eased by having Taylor and Bleyendaal back for 2014.
The Crusaders meet the Highlanders at 7.35 tonight.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs beat the Hurricanes 34 22 last night.
Story by: Akuila Cama
