News

Waiting game for in-form Carter

August 08 2009

Dan Carter has played down the state of New Zealand's predicament in this season's Tri-Nations but confirmed he is ready for a Test return.

The former Perpignan player, who claimed all of Canterbury's 22 points in Air New Zealand Cup victory over Auckland on Saturday, believes South Africa have been just too good and are worthy of more praise for their performances.

"I don't think the South Africans are getting as much credit as they deserve," he said, speaking to sportal.co.nz.

"They're a good side but we have performed well in the past when our backs have been up against the wall so I'm confident the All Blacks can bounce back from this."

This weekend's showpiece fixture pits the Springboks against Australia in Cape Town, with another success putting the world champions in an increasingly strong position in the early part of 2009's tournament.

Next up for the All Blacks will be a trip to face the Wallabies in Sydney on August 22 but Carter admits he doesn't know whether he will be part of that contest.

"I have to wait and talk with them [Graham Henry and the team management] to see if they are interested," he said.

"The All Blacks is the ultimate and if I get the call it is a decision I will have to make. I've obviously got another tough game next week [Waikato].

"That's what I'm working towards, getting back in the black jersey and each week I play I feel more comfortable so I can't really turn it down, if they want me to play I will be happy to play."

Going back to the pivot's Air New Zealand efforts during his continued comeback from an Achilles injury, Carter now faces a mini dilemma in that Canterbury are working towards a Ranfurly Shield clash against Wellington.

"I'd love to be involved in that. It's not something we've talked about but if we do get the opportunity to play for the Shield it means a lot to this team and the province," he continued.

"If that happens it will be a great challenge and one that I would love to be part of.

"Eighty minutes of rugby at this level is good for me, I got through 60 last week, and the full 80 today and the body feels good.

"The game was a lot faster this week than last with the conditions being a lot better. I enjoyed it and was very thankful coming out with a victory."