Dan Carter has been scratched from the Crusaders team to face the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday night.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder today confirmed Carter's Super Rugby duties were on hold because of the injury he suffered to his lower right leg during last weekend's 20-10 loss to the Rebels in Christchurch.

Just how long Carter will be out for remains uncertain, however, he was in his training gear today but walking with a slight limp.

Colin Slade has been shifted from fullback to first five-eighth and All Black Israel Dagg has been named in the No 15 spot for the first time this year.

Veteran halfback Andy Ellis, who flew in from Japan earlier this week, has not even been named on the reserves bench with Blackadder opting to keep Mitchell Drummond as his starting halfback and to use Billy Guyton as back-up on the bench.

All Black Ryan Crotty replaces Tom Taylor at second-five.

All Blacks forwards Dominic Bird and Joe Moody have been culled because Blackadder was unsatisfied with their performances against the Rebels, naming Scott Barrett - in his first start in Super Rugby - at lock and Wyatt Crockett will anchor the scrum at loosehead prop.

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Robbie Fruean, Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty, Johnny McNicholl, Colin Slade, Mitchell Drummond, Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd, Richie McCaw, Scott Barrett, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Codie Taylor, Joe Moody, Nepo Laulala, Dominic Bird, Jordan Taufua, Billy Guyton, Tom Taylor, Nafi Tuitavake.