Carter due back for clash with North Harbour
As if Canterbury needed any more help. Dan Carter’s imminent return to his already dominant province will only shorten the odds on the red-and-blacks securing a sixth successive NPC title.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen revealed yesterday Carter’s comeback would come with Canterbury and likely start against North Harbour, in Albany, on September 24.
Carter hasn’t played since fracturing a leg in the Super Rugby final in early August and last featured for the All Blacks in November. His target is to now work his way back to fitness with Canterbury and be available for the third, dead rubber Bledisloe Cup tests in Brisbane on October 18.
‘‘Dan is going to come back in the NPC,’’ Hansen said. ‘‘He’ll have a graduated programme. Whether he comes in or plays 40 or 60 [minutes] and will play 60 or 80 the following week . . . that will be with the idea of being available for the Brisbane test.’’
With Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett intensely contesting the All Blacks’ No 10 jersey it will be intriguing to see how Carter’s return to the international arena is managed.
Canterbury are, meanwhile, unbeaten after five games, after crushing Wellington 46-12 on Friday night and seem a long way ahead of the chasing pack.
Carter’s presence will temporarily boost their first five-eighth stocks after Tyler Bleyendaal was ruled out for the season with a prolapsed disk in his neck.
Aaron Smith hares after the loose ball during the All Blacks’ tense 14-10 win over South Africa.