Elliott, Ellis form ticket to RWC?

Wellington - Rugby World Cup places will start becoming an important part of the conversation among New Zealand rugby pundits as Super Rugby enters the second half of its season on Friday.

The return of Richie McCaw and Dan Carter to the starting side for the Crusaders for their clash with the Chiefs indicates coaches are preparing to shift gears.

McCaw and Carter were on the bench last week for the seven times champions, who were unable to hold off a second-half fightback by the Highlanders as their intensity dropped following their return from South Africa.