Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Dan Carter drops hint of when he could be set to make his Blues debut

(Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

Dan Carter has given an indication as to when he might appear in a game for the Blues, noting he has plenty of work to do before he steps onto the field.

ADVERTISEMENT

The 112-cap All Blacks first five-eighth was a shock signing for the Blues ahead of Super Rugby Aotearoa, joining the team as an injury replacement after the Japanese Top League season was cancelled.

Speaking to Newstalk ZB‘s Martin Devlin, Carter admitted he had to play catch-up and it would be at least a month before he would even face the possibility of selection.

Video Spacer

Force recruits Greg Holmes and Kyle Godwin

Video Spacer

Force recruits Greg Holmes and Kyle Godwin

“I wasn’t expecting to play any rugby in 2020 when the Japanese season got cancelled, so my lockdown was a little bit different to the Super Rugby players; not as intense training-wise, so I’ve got a bit of catching up to do,” Carter said.

“Basically I just want to train really hard for a month, and then we can reassess exactly where things are at the end of that. If my body’s good I may be available for selection then.

“Whether I’m picked or not is going to be up to the coaches because they’ve got a lot of depth. I’m just waiting to try and contribute both on, but probably more off the field – at the moment I’m trying to get my body up to speed so I can be considered.”

While working to get back up to speed with the style of play Super Rugby Aotearoa offers, Carter was working closely with the Blues first five-eighth stocks, with Otere Black, Beauden Barrett and Harry Plummer all competing for playing time in the role.

ADVERTISEMENT

For now, Barrett is being introduced to his new surroundings at fullback where he can observe the game as a whole and has the ability to roam with freedom. However it is expected that the first choice All Blacks No 10 eventually takes over in that role for the Blues.

Until then, Black has made himself the go-to option for coach Leon MacDonald with consistency and reliability in his performances.

Carter noted the abilities of Black, and said he was always looking for ways to better himself.

“He’s a great player; very underrated. He controlled the game very well and is always reliable off the tee,” Carter said.

“I’ve had a few conversations with him, sort of more informally. So we’ll get through training then he’ll ask me questions about what I’ve seen and ways I could help his play.

ADVERTISEMENT

“He’s played a lot of rugby, but there are a couple of little subtle conversations we have at the end of training or throughout the week.”

ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

R
RedWarrior 47 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

8 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING Rugby fugitive Rocky Elsom in hiding after fleeing Ireland Rugby fugitive Rocky Elsom in hiding after fleeing Ireland
Search