Dan Carter: One of three playmakers in NZ touring squad
Related links
Teams
Also see
Dan Carter has been named in the All Blacks squad to play upcoming Rugby Championship Tests in Argentina and South Africa.
Carter has been struggling with a calf injury and has missed New Zealand's last two matches but was one of three fly-halves to be named in a 28-man squad.
The All Blacks only need two points to clinch victory in the inaugural four-nation tournament and will play Argentina in La Plata on 30 September and South Africa in Johannesburg on 7 October.
Aaron Cruden, who started in Carter's place in the home wins over Argentina and South Africa, has kept his place in the squad, as has his young understudy Beauden Barrett.
Coach Steve Hansen says Carter is recovering well and should be fit for selection for the Test against Argentina.
All Blacks tour squad:
Forwards: Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Sam Cane, Liam Messam, Victor Vito, Adam Thomson, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Ben Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu
Backs: Israel Dagg, Hosea Gear, Cory Jane, Ben Smith, Julian Savea, Conrad Smith, Tamati Ellison, Ma'a Nonu, Dan Carter, Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Piri Weepu
Comments
carpelone says...
Ruckingkiwi
we won last year without DC
but with CJ on board
Posted 13:42 22nd September 2012
UBA05 says...
Hehehe Armchairgeneral i've been following some of your posts, do you work as a comedian??
Good stuff. Keep it coming
Posted 12:11 22nd September 2012
tha_mai says...
for the Cruden Critics - last weekend just his sixth start in a test match - give him a break, comparing him to Carter who started at international level ten seasons ago in 2003 and played 89 tests since.
Also perhaps look at the performance of the rest of the AB team, the last three matches have been poor, against worse opposition, there is little memorable or to be proud of - apart from the win stat - from the way those games have been played.
Posted 10:23 22nd September 2012
sandal says...
@ruckingkiwi
I agree with all you say.
@PREEST
When someone comes along who is probably the best in their position ever, you cannot reasonably expect their successor to be as good. We won a world cup without Carter, and if we had never had him I am sure we would have been more than happy with Cruden and, eventually, Barrett.
In the meantime, let's enjoy Carter while we've got him.
Posted 03:14 22nd September 2012
ruckingkiwi says...
Great to see Carter back and undoubtedly a legend but Cruden will improve as he gains more experience and Beauden Barritt is a rising star. People have to be confident, we won last year without DC, while Richie was on 1 leg and we're winning this year without DC as well.. albeit playing the worst we've played in 3 years.
Posted 21:37 21st September 2012
tweedledee49 says...
I had no idea Thomson was in the squad...
Yay, Dan! Im a huge fan of Crudens but he needs to be on the bench and learn a few things from the best in the business.
Hopefully we'll see Cane get a run.
Posted 14:21 21st September 2012
PREEST says...
We have a lot of depth, but other than Carter himself, there seems to be nobody on that kind of level in the number 10 jersey. He really is absolute class, and there's not another fly half in New Zealand that is anywhere near Carter's level. That's not to undermine the abilities of Cruden and the like, but they do not quite have the calming presence and control over the game that Carter has. I am slightly concerned for who will fill his shoes when he finally calls it a day. Although by then, I am sure Cruden will have immensely improved. Great to have Carter back.
Posted 12:55 21st September 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
@Latin: bet he'd get lots of kisses for his efforts in Argentina. Loved the Ozzie commentators reaction when Lobbe gave some Argie forward a kiss for his efforts. Ozzies prefer pats on the bottom.
Posted 12:47 21st September 2012
Carpelone says...
Then, we will see if NZ's backline will keep on stuttering.
I expect DC to fix it. Cruden was oustanding at SR level, not quite so at Test level.
Posted 11:22 21st September 2012
latin says...
we in south america think he is the most handsome flyhalf so yay!!!
Posted 10:32 21st September 2012
melkdave says...
Good news for NZ and Carter,i
Posted 10:15 21st September 2012
heart_of_oak says...
Good news for NZ, maybe not such good news for other nations, as he's a fantastic fly half, probably one of the best there's ever been.
Posted 09:43 21st September 2012
jmanngod says...
Rejoice - for he hath returneth.
Posted 08:02 21st September 2012