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Dan Carter - Source: NZPA Images -
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Daniel Carter's rugby rehabilitation programme is poised to
advance to the provincial arena this weekend with the All Blacks
first five-eighth declaring his availability for Canterbury's team
to play North Harbour.
Carter, who made his comeback to competitive rugby at club level
last weekend, said he was keen to play the defending champions Air
NZ Cup opener at Albany after training with the squad in
Christchurch today.
"I'd love to be back playing in red and black," said Carter, who
has rarely played for Canterbury since making the All Blacks in
2003.
Carter, 27, suffered a serious achilles tendon injury during his
sabbatical to France in February but appears to be on track to play
a significant role in Canterbury's title defence.
He played 80 minutes for his Southbridge club last weekend and felt
no ill-effects although his lack of match fitness is still a
concern.
Carter said he was looking forward to adding to his tally of 21
canterbury appearances after training with the squad for the past
month.
Canterbury head coach Rob Penney names his 22-man squad on
Thursday.
