Dan Carter edges closer to more silverware

Dan Carter is close to securing some more silverware after taking Japanese club Kobelco Steelers to the Top League grand final.

The former All Black scored 21 points in Saturday’s semi-final as his Steelers beat Toyota Verblitz 31-19.

Carter scored a try, kicked four penalties and added two conversions to guide the side to the final.

Former Highlanders utility Richard Buckman started at fullback for Kobe, with former Highlander and current Sunwolves five-eighth Hayden Parker on the bench.

Carter is in his first season with Kobe, joining the side following a successful stint with French club Racing 92.

The 36-year-old won a pair of World Cups with the All Blacks – who he represented 112 times – before heading offshore in 2016.

Carter’s Steelers will now meet the Suntory Sungoliath the grand final next weekend.

Suntory were saved by a penalty in extra time from former Wallaby Matt Giteau to beat Yamaha Jubilo 28-25.

Giteau won the match with a kick from 42 metres out after set up a pair of tries for Seiya Ozaki.

“We only got told it would be golden point when we were in the huddle [before extra time started],” Suntory’s Joe Wheeler – a former Highlander – told Kyodo News.

Giteau and Carter came onto the international scene within a year of each other and will next weekend add another chapter to a lengthy rivalry.

A Top League title would be another addition to a vast trophy cabinet for Carter. He has won three Super Rugby titles, two Top 14 titles, two World Cups.

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