Carter makes Test return
AUCKLAND: Had Daniel Carter’s World Cup script gone to plan, the flyhalf would still be basking in the glory of making a big impact in rugby’s most prestigious final on home soil.
Maybe ghosting to the defensive line, fending off a loose forward who underestimated the upper body strength in his slim frame and using his deceptive pace to score a try in the final.
Or even slotting the winning penalty.
However, a torn groin muscle while training on Wellington’s Rugby League Park during the pool phase ended that fairy tale of directing the All Blacks to their second Webb Ellis trophy at Auckland’s Eden Park.
The winning penalty was in- stead slotted by Stephen Donald, whose continuous tugging at his tight jersey demonstrated the fact he had been fishing for much of the World Cup and not expecting a desperate call from coach Graham Henry.
It was “Beaver” who went into New Zealand folklore while Carter, wearing a suit and tie, received his winner’s medal after the 8-7 victory over France last October as part of the extended squad.
Tomorrow Carter will make his return to Eden Park for the All Blacks, having slowly worked his way back to fitness for the Canterbury Crusaders.
“I missed all the exciting stuff in the World Cup last year and that was disappointing personally,” Carter said after he was named at flyhalf for New Zealand’s first Test against Ireland.
“One of my goals after I got over the injury was to make sure I got back in the black jersey and I’m very excited.
“This is just the start though. The first Test match is always exciting and I’m looking forward to it.”
The 30-year-old Carter will become the most capped flyhalf for the All Blacks, the match against Ireland will be his 71st in the No 10 jersey, and he said he could not get overwhelmed with emotion at his return and for the milestone.
“It’s something you have to control,” he said.
Carter also needs to help debutant scrumhalf Aaron Smith settle into the flow of the Test, which they had been trying to discuss during training this week.
“It’s tough building new combinations and the 9-10 one is a crucial one,” Carter said.
“When we’re out there, we just have to talk a lot and have great communication and continue to tell each other what we’re doing… (but) I want him to go and play his game, play what he sees.” – Reuters