Carter back to club rugby
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Richard Knowler, The Press | June 10, 2009 - 12:12PM
Graham Henry holds little hope of Dan Carter playing in the Tri Nations.
Instead it is likely to be Ellesmere club Southbridge and Canterbury providing he re-signs with the province that will reap the benefits of the star first five-eighth making his comeback from the ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered while playing for French club Perpignan.
Carter was expected to return to New Zealand this week to continue his rehabilitation after Perpignan beat the Vern Cotter-coached Clermont side in the French club final last weekend.
There were initial hopes he could represent the All Blacks in the Tri Nations, but such optimism has dimmed.
"I think that is a very, very outside hope," Henry said.
"Dan just has to make sure he gets himself right and if he feels in good nick, and he can play at international level he will let us know.
"He's going to play a wee bit of club stuff for Southbridge and he will play Air New Zealand Cup and then we will see how he goes."
The All Blacks' final test in the Tri Nations is against Australia in Wellington on September 19, but it seems that Henry is banking on Carter being fit for the end-of-season tour which will kick off with the money-making match in Tokyo against Australia on November 1.
"It's a big step and particularly in that position where there is a lot of sharp movement. Coming off an Achilles injury, I think, would be a huge ask," Henry added.
"But nothing is impossible as Dan has proved in the past, so I think if it happens it will be a real big bonus."
Meanwhile, forwards coach Steve Hansen said he still expects No.8 Rodney So'oialo to return for the Tri Nations after being rested from the two-test series against France and the other fixture against Italy in Christchurch on June 27.
http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/n...313173542.html
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