The Crusaders' delight at getting All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw back for his first Super Rugby appearance of 2011 has been offset by further injury to playmaker Dan Carter.

All Blacks five eighth Carter, sidelined since suffering a leg injury in the historic 44-28 win over the Sharks at Twickenham, limped off from training on Wednesday after straining his troublesome hamstring.

He will miss Friday's clash with the Chiefs and likely also next week's match against the Highlanders, with Matt Berquist reinstated at No.10 after doing an outstanding job in the 27-0 win over the Bulls last week.

McCaw came through training with flying colours and will start from the bench after being sidelined since fracturing his right foot in the pre-season.

"I'm excited to be back in the mix," said McCaw.

"In the last couple of weeks I've really started to feel like I wanted to get back into the swing of things.

"The foot feels good and I don't think there's any worries there, it might just be a bit tough on the lungs."

"The body feels good, the mind is good and the excitement is there. It's been four-odd months without rugby."

Captain Kieran Read said he would have no hesitation handing the leadership reins back to McCaw next week.

"It's great for Richie to be back on the paddock and great for us as well. He's just going to add to this team. It will take him some time but I'm sure next week he will take that 'c' off me, but it's awesome to have him back," he said.

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