The Crusaders landed in South Africa without captain Kieran Read and fly half Dan Carter ahead of their clash with the Stormers this weekend.

Read was a surprise absentee when the team arrived due to an injured toe sustained during their massive win against the Kings in Christchurch over the weekend.

He is expected to be out of action for four weeks and George Whitelock will captain the side in Read's absence.

Meanwhile, Carter has stayed in New Zealand for the birth of his first child and will also miss the Crusaders' upcoming trips against the Sharks and the Force.

The Crusaders meet the Stormers at 5.10am Sunday.

On Friday night, the Highlanders take on the Reds at 6.35pm.

Story by: Filipe Naikaso