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Dan Carter playing for the Southbridge club in Christchurch - Source: Photosport -
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New Zealand first-five Daniel Carter returned to the rugby field
on Saturday, six months after rupturing his Achilles' tendon while
playing in France.
Carter played the full 80 minutes for Southbridge in their 34-13
victory over Hornby at Denton Oval in Christchurch and said he
felt ready to turn out for his provincial side next
week.
The 27-year-old ruptured his Achilles in January while playing for
Perpignan in a six-month sabbatical from New Zealand
rugby.
"You can do so much rehab and get in the gym and do speed work ...
but until you're out on the field its different so it's a start and
I really enjoyed it," he told ONE Sport.
Carter said he had not been thinking about a return to the All
Blacks, but was confident he could play next Saturday for
Canterbury in their opening national provincial championship game
against North Harbour.
The game attracted a large media contingent and crowd of about
2,000, TV3 reported.
"I haven't really thought too much about the All Blacks. I just
want to get back playing rugby.
"I'll see if Pens (Canterbury coach Rob Penney) wants me for next
week. I'll be available."
