The Crusaders hope to bring some of their stars such as Kieran Read and Israel Dagg back for this weekend's crucial Super Rugby match against the Chiefs but Dan Carter is unlikely to be risked just yet.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said he is cautiously optimistic about No.8 Read and said fullback Dagg could start the match in Hamilton but said he was less hopeful about first five-eighth Carter.

"I don't think so ... he will be really touch and go for this weekend," Blackadder told Stuff.

Carter strained his hamstring whilst training with the All Blacks in Hamilton on June the 19th which allowed Chiefs playmaker Aaron Cruden to start for the All Blacks against Ireland in the third test.

All Blacks coach said at the time that Carter would be out for "two to three weeks" but it now seems that Carter will be rested until the final regular-season match against the Force in Christchurch on July the 14th.

Read suffered head knocks in the first and the second All Blacks tests and concussion symptoms then prevented him starting the final match.

Blackadder said that Read was eager to start if passed fit against the Chiefs

"It looks like `Reado' is going to be good. I think he is very keen to play," Blackadder stated.

"He is a great leader and what he does is give us that forward carry, that forward momentum we really missed against the Hurricanes."

Dagg sprained his ankle in the third Test and should replace Sean Maitland and if Read returns Richie McCaw should move back to No.7.