All Blacks: Cantab coach backs Carter's return

Canterbury coach Rob Penney has endorsed Dan Carter's possible return to the All Blacks . Photo / Getty Images

Canterbury coach Rob Penney is endorsing a swift return to international rugby for Dan Carter.

Carter made a return to provincial rugby at the weekend in Canterbury's Air New Zealand Cup match against North Harbour. The drums have since grown louder for his inclusion in the All Blacks for their next Tri-Nations match against Australia in Sydney in just under three weeks time.

Penney says Carter can make a quick adjustment to test match rugby. He says Carter would lift to the level required and is ready to go whenever the All Blacks need him.

Penney says Canterbury's All Blacks will not be returning this week and it will be the same group of players who take the field against Auckland at Eden Park on Saturday.

All Blacks Luke McAlister, Aled de Malmanche, Bryn Evans and Tanerau Latimer are all scheduled to turn out for their provinces this weekend.

- NEWSTALK ZB