All Blacks: Henry's eye drifts to fortunes of Canterbury

Dan Carter. Photo / Getty Images

The All Blacks are muted about the prospect of Daniel Carter returning to prop up their limping Tri-Nations rugby campaign.

About the only person getting emotional at the prospect of the world-class first five-eighths being rushed back was South African captain John Smit in the wake of the Springboks' 31-19 triumph yesterday.

Carter, 27, has emerged as a genuine prospect to play in New Zealand's next test, against Australia in Sydney on August 22.

Having recovered from the Achilles tendon injury suffered in France six months ago, he was steady during his return to Canterbury colours in Saturday's Air NZ Cup loss to North Harbour.

It followed a solid club outing that will surely put the scorer of 879 test points in the sights of Graham Henry, although the All Black coach was not giving much away in the immediate aftermath of a heavy defeat.

"We'll watch NPC rugby and see how things are going. We might need a couple of replacements through injury," Henry said. "There'll be no panic. We'll have a look, as we always do ... Daniel is obviously one of the players we'll look at."

After a solid outing in last week's loss at Bloemfontein, first five-eighths Stephen Donald endured an error-ridden performance and was replaced by Luke McAlister for the final quarter yesterday. Donald's passing game was particularly erratic although his goalkicking was more impressive as he landed four from four.

However, the 25-year-old has his share of critics and may well be a casualty if Carter is deemed ready.

The All Blacks have spluttered through six sub-par test performances this year without the Canterbury great and Smit voiced what many armchair pundits are thinking about an accelerated return for Carter.

"I can't see why not ... he's a wonderful player. I was probably celebrating his move to France more than anyone," Smit said. "What Dan Carter brings is probably the best in every department. He's not only a good runner. He's a good kicker, he's got a good tactical head on his shoulders."

Carter said he would answer an SOS call from the All Black selectors positively after Canterbury's surprise 19-22 defeat at Albany on Saturday.

"I'd definitely say 'yes'. I wouldn't turn down the black jersey but the most important thing for me is getting to the form where I'm capable of playing international rugby. It's a big step up from this level."

- NZPA