Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder sent out a warning that Dan Carter isn't a white knight returning to solve all the team's problems, and there is still a lot of work to be done.

The Canterbury side reluctantly take a break this weekend for the first of their byes, although the majority of the team would have preferred to have "stayed in the saddle".

However, when the Crusaders return to action next week they will open their new ground, Christchurch Stadium, against the Cheetahs, and should have Carter in the matchday squad.

Blackadder believes that anyone who attributes the Crusaders' defeats to the Highlanders and Chiefs to the absence of Carter is being foolish.

"To think the cavalry is arriving and it is all good because Dan is back is not going to work for us," Blackadder told the press.

"Everyone has to do their bit; it would be unfair to put that pressure on one man. He is not the reason we are not playing well."

Carter is expected to be on the bench against the Cheetahs to ease the star flyhalf back into Super Rugby, with Tyler Bleyendaal keeping the No.10 jersey.

"We just have to knuckle down and get the simple basics right," Blackadder added.

"He [Carter] just has to slot back in, do his job and if we can do that it will make it really easy for him."