Wellington - All Blacks Dan Carter and Israel Dagg will miss the Crusaders' Super 15 derby against Waikato Chiefs this weekend as the seven-time champions' tough start threatens to worsen.
Injuries to fly-half Carter and explosive fullback Dagg, plus New Zealand prop Owen Franks' suspension for striking, have caused headaches for the Crusaders in the Kiwi derby.
The Crusaders dug deep last week to beat Highlanders and bounce back from their shock opening loss to Melbourne Rebels, when Carter limped off and is yet to recover.