By Jim Kayes
The start of the Super 14 season can't come soon enough for two well-known members of the Crusaders squad.
All Black duo Dan Carter and Isaac Ross have plenty of motivation to get back on the paddock.
They were cooking breakfast at the Burwood Spinal Unit today, but the fun and games ends on Saturday for the Crusaders when they begin their Super 14 campaign against neighbours the Highlanders.
Dan Carter says he can't wait for kick off.
“Obviously missing last year has really added to the motivation to give something back to the Crusaders this year, so only a few days to go now - can't wait,” he says.
Although the All Blacks hung up their boots only 10 weeks ago, Carter’s Achilles woes last season mean he can’t wait to get back on the pitch.
“I missed half the season last year so the end of last year didn't feel like the end of the season,” he says.
“So I’ve been amped up for this competition to start.”
Canterbury lock Isaac Ross is another player chomping at the bit to play, he was sensationally confined to the gym while the All Blacks toured last November.
“Got a little bit of a grey cloud over the end of the year but that didn't really knock any wind out of my sails just really keen to get into another big year,” he says.
Now that Brad Thorn is a permanent fixture as one of the Crusaders locks, Ross has to battle Sam Whitelock and former All Black Chris Jack for a place in the starting XV.
While the All Blacks are always the goal, Ross has a very simple ambition - for now at least.
“I think I’ll just try and stay on the paddock, there's a couple of locks going down across the country just staying on the field is the main key,” he says.
That job begins in Christchurch on Saturday night.
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