Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has revealed that he is still uncertain when team captain Richie McCaw will be available for Super Rugby.

Blackadder says that the Crusaders are working under the mindset that they wont have McCaw back for some time yet.

"We are still going to have to wait and see when we get back from South Africa, so he is still another three weeks to a month away from being considered," said Blackadder.

McCaw's return to Super Rugby would be a welcome boost for the Crusaders who have struggled to gain form and momentum so far this season.

Blackadder says their two losses were an anomaly but admitted their form had not been up to the standard expected of the Crusaders,

"We're just off the pace, the last two weeks was really unlike us and we are a far better team than that," the coach told One Sport.

"I look back and look at our focus we just weren't focussing on the critical things that are going to make a difference in those games but we are a better side and I think you will see that this Saturday."

Blackadder added that he was sure that the Crusaders would find their form in the very near future.