Giant wing Nemani Nadolo could link with the Crusaders sooner than expected but is unlikely to play the Super Rugby opener against the Rebels in Christchurch on Friday night.

Nadolo has completed his duties with the NEC Green Rockets after they suffered a shock loss to Teikyo University in their All-Japan Championship knockout match at Tokyo's Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground yesterday and is now free to return to the Crusaders.

However Nadolo, who scored 12 tries last year to be joint top try scorer with the Waratahs' Israel Folau, isn't likely to be rushed back for Friday night's match at Christchurch's AMI Stadium.

Although the Crusaders lost their pre-season matches against the Reds, Hurricanes and Highlanders, and would welcome the presence of the powerful Nadolo on the left wing, coach Todd Blackadder is likely to stick with those players he started in the trials.

Johnny McNicholl, Robbie Fruean and Nafi Tuitavaki were used in the recent fixtures against the Reds and Hurricanes. Jone Macalai is expected to be out until late April because he broke his arm in the trial against the Highlanders in Timaru on January 24.

Blackadder is also likely to be cautious about rushing Nadolo back after playing back-to-back seasons in Japan and New Zealand. He may want the 27-year-old to work on his fitness and recover from any injuries before pitching him into the tougher Super Rugby competition.

Nadolo, who played for the NEC club for four seasons and was the leading try scorer in the Top League competition, is also expected to be a key contributor for Fiji at the Rugby World Cup in England and Wales later this year.

Crusaders halfback Andy Ellis will stay in Japan.

Ellis' Kobe Steelers club side thrashed Keio University 76-7 and will play Suntory in the next round.

Despite losing experienced back-up No 9 Willi Heinz with a broken leg, the Crusaders were unable to secure an early release for former All Black Ellis from Kobe and will select either Mitchell Drummond or Billy Guyton to start against the Rebels.