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Dan Carter - Source: Photosport -
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Daniel Carter is still moving gingerly but his fend was as effective as ever when quizzed in Auckland on his future provincial rugby allegiance.
The All Blacks playmaker returned from his sabbatical with Perpignan on Thursday to continue his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury that allowed him to make just five appearances for the French champions.
Providing his rehabilitation goes to plan, the 27-year-old hopes to be back in action in August - too late for the Tri-Nations but the end of year tour to Japan, France, Italy and the UK an enticement to work towards.
Should Carter negotiate a couple of club games for Southbridge in the North Canterbury competition he will continue his comeback to international level in the Air NZ Cup, though it is not yet confirmed who he will represent.
Carter has been off contract with Canterbury since the end of last year and given he lives in Auckland with long-term partner Honor Dillon he has been linked with a transfer to Auckland. That move could see him play for the Blues in next year's Super 14.
The 59-test veteran was reluctant to speculate on his future though it may be clearer on Saturday when he meets his management group in Dunedin, where he will provide television analysis of the All Blacks' first test against France at Carisbrook.
Hard to leave Canterbury
While Carter would not give a categorical answer when asked whether he would leave Christchurch, he admitted it would be difficult considering he had been groomed through the Canterbury system.
"Christchurch is still a place I hold close to my heart. When it comes to rugby, Canterbury and the Crusaders have given me so much," he said.
"I'm where I am now because of the opportunities they've given me."
Carter has homes in Christchurch and Auckland and commuted between the two cities during his last Super 14 campaign in 2008.
He had played 69 times for the Crusaders, winning Super rugby titles in 2005-06 and last year.
Carter would not comment on whether the Auckland Rugby Union had tabled an offer, saying his management would update him.
There is clearly a vacancy in Auckland considering Jimmy Gopperth and Tasesa Lavea, the Blues pivots this season, have moved offshore though Luke McAlister has returned from England.
Carter's main priority is to ensure his rehab continues to proceed smoothly.
"I've been back running for a month now. I'm still missing some real power and bounce on my injured (left) foot. I'll be working hard over the next few weeks to get that back."
Recovery
He is satisfied he will make a full recovery and regain his reputation as the game's premier pivot.
"I'm very confident. I've been doing all the rehab that's required and everything's on track. It will take time, that's the frustrating thing."
It was also frustrating watching Perpignan win the Top 14 title in Paris last weekend .
"I'd have loved to have been more a part of it. I felt like I let them down a bit with my injury, I couldn't contribute more to them."
He is confident a new-look All Blacks side is capable of extending their impressive hope record against the Tricolores at Carisbrook.
"They've brought over their strongest (possible) side and it'll be a huge challenge but I think the All Blacks will go well.
"Whenever you put on the All Black jersey you grow to the challenge. I'm sure the young players will do that."
