Key Crusaders in doubt

The Crusaders could be without three of their key All Blacks in Saturday's Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes.

Kieran Read and Dan Carter are almost certain this miss the match while Israel Dagg is also doubtful.

Carter's struggling with a hamstring tear picked up against in the second test against Ireland ten days ago.

He says he'll make sure it's fully recovered before attempting to return.

"It's normally a few weeks but I take these things week by week and obviously got a plan in place for this week, if I get through that without any problems then you move onto next week."

Dagg says his ankle sprain doesn't seem too major, but he may have to play it on the safe side.

"It's hard to say at the moment. Obviously I want to be out there and having a run around against the Hurricanes and try and do my part for this team but I've just got to take it easy, can't rush things like this because obviously it might affect my future games this year so I've just got to wait and see."

The Hurricanes are hoping Cory Jane will return from injury for the match.