Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder is expected to name a full strength Super Rugby team in this weekend's clash against the Highlanders.
The Crusaders face the Highlanders in Christchurch on Friday this weekend and they will be looking to turn around a two match losing streak.
Earlier this year the Highlanders beat the Crusaders 27-24 in Dunedin and last year in Nelson the Highlanders also won the clash between the teams 18-26.
Twelve Crusaders players have attended All Black training camps over the last two weeks and the Crusaders had a bye last weekend but some forward planning and a truncated training programme has Blackadder hoping they will all be able to start.
Dan Carter, Israel Dagg, Andy Ellis, Zac Guildford, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Luke Romano and Sam Whitelock should be automatic selections for Blackadder
The coach will however have to decide on which of Wyatt Crockett and Ben and Owen Franks will start off the bench if at all.
Backup captain Kieran read has not played since he injured his pelvis against the Rebels on May the 12th but can be expected to start at No.8 which will allow Richie McCaw to return to openside flanker.
"Our guys haven't played a lot of rugby lately and most of them are really well rested, so they are going to come straight back and hopefully perform," Blackadder told Fairfax.
Dan Carter is also expected to retain his place at first five-eighth after he guided the Crusaders to a 59-12 victory over the Blues on May the 19th without suffering any problems with his groin.
Blackadder said that having worked on the Crusaders game plan since last Thursday and analysing the Highlanders 20-27 victory over the Blues last weekend he feels there is not much that needs to be changed.
"All our guys are really clear about what they have to do and, because we had the bye, we have used our time wisely."
"Everything we expect from the Highlanders, they did," Blackadder said.
"They earned a tough win."
Blackadder is however concerned that the Crusaders may be a little slow and will struggle to find their game again after their bye as they have done historically after a bye.
Earlier in the season following a bye the Crusaders had to work to beat the Cheetahs 28-21.
The Crusaders will have few fond memories of their last clash with the Highlanders in Round 2 as the broken stadium clock did them no favours in the final minutes.
"When I look back and reflect, we were so off the pace mentally," Blackadder said.
"Now we are starting to play with some real intensity and physicality. "
"We are just going to keep building and take it to a whole new level."
The Crusaders have four matches left in which they can seal a place in the play offs but luckily three of those are home matches.
June 1: v Highlanders (Christchurch)
June 30: v Hurricanes (Christchurch)
July 6: v Chiefs (Hamilton)
July 14: v Force (Christchurch)
