Crusaders face Rebels in Melbourne

Daniel Carter's dismissing talk that he's under pressure to return to his normal duties ahead of time.

Carter once again won't play in his specialist number ten jumper against the Rebels in Melbourne tonight, as he returns from his groin injury.

He says having an accurate goal kicker in Tom Taylor playing at ten, means there's no need to rush the injury.

"The fact that we've got him in the side kicking well, there's no need to rush me back, which is good I don't want to come back until I'm 100 percent so that's why I'm working hard on the rehab."

And it's business as usual for Crusaders number 8 Luke Whitelock.

The youngest of the four Whitelock brothers gets his second start of the year tonight.

Despite the new number on his back, he insists not much changes from when he's on the bench.

"Not too much, I've still got to prepare well, make sure I've done my homework and all that, build those relationships with people either side of me."

Kickoff from AAMI park's at 9.40.

In the earlier match the Highlanders host the Hurricanes in Dunedin from 7.35.

Photo: Tom Taylor (Photosport)