Dan Carter will miss the Crusaders’ Super Rugby game against the Sharks in Durban after returning to New Zealand to attend the birth of his second child.
All Blacks five-eighth Carter has been replaced in the Crusaders’ travelling squad by Nathaniel Apa while the versatile Colin Slade is likely to wear No.10 on Sunday (AEDT).
Carter, who kicked 14 points in the 31-19 loss to the Blues in Pretoria last weekend, is expected to return for the ninth-round home match against the Highlanders on April 11.
The 33-year-old is seeking consistent form to seal a place in the All Blacks’ World Cup squad.
He missed the Crusaders’ second and third games this season with a leg injury, but his form has been solid in three 80-minute performances since.