All Blacks: Relaxed Carter ready for action

All Blacks first-five Dan Carter is aware of the public expectation heading into this week's test against the Wallabies. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - Daniel Carter sat back in his chair at the All Blacks' inner-city hotel, hardly a care in the world.

A lineup of rugby scribes' tape recorders hovered.

Any kind of pressure, whatsoever? "Nah, I'm just wanting to enjoy the week. I'm really enjoying being back in the environment," he said.

"Obviously not playing for so long, anxiety can tend to kick in but we have a great bunch of guys and I've got a bit of experience so I know what works for myself."

In true Carter style; measured, understated, unflappable, he announced his return to the All Blacks No 10 jersey.

Fifty-nine tests, 879 points, and one of the most gifted players ever to don an All Blacks jersey was finally back in black for Saturday's test against the Wallabies here, after missing the first six tests of 2009 with an Achilles tendon injury.

Coaches Graham Henry and Steve Hansen raved about his three Air NZ Cup matches for Canterbury, particularly the Waikato match at the weekend. Hansen labelled his comeback this week "zero risk", while captain Richie McCaw summed up the feeling in the side.

"He's slotted in really well as if he hasn't been away. His experience and knowledge gives confidence to the guys around him."

Carter knows his standing in the New Zealand game, and the expectation he'll cure the All Blacks' ills of the three inbound tests, a scrape over the Wallabies in Auckland then dual losses in South Africa.

"There's always going to be the external expectation but I know one man's not going to change a team. We've got to change a lot of things to get the success back into the side," he said.

"All I can worry about is doing my job well... I'm not going to go out there and try and pull off miracles."

After an intense catch-up session with backs coach Wayne Smith, Carter felt the All Blacks weren't in a deep trough, and just needed to tweak their basic skills.

The 27-year-old admitted the six months since the injury, suffered while playing in France, had been a new experience, having avoided serious injury in his glittering career to date.

"It was a pretty tough injury and I haven't really had one like that before. It was a new experience to get away from the game.

"I enjoyed spending some time away but equally had some new drive to rehab well and come back strong.

"I think I've done that with some reasonably satisfying performances for Canterbury. But I realise it's a big step up playing international level."

He was looking forward to renewing his combination with Luke McAlister which ended after the fateful 2007 World Cup quarterfinal with McAlister's shift to England.

"It does (take the pressure off). Obviously the game's steering towards a lot of kicking and having that left-right combination like the Wallabies, with Luke's kicking ability and experience to the playmaker role will bring value to the side."

All Blacks
Mils Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko, Conrad Smith, Luke McAlister, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, John Afoa, Jason Eaton, Rodney So'oialo, Brendon Leonard, Stephen Donald, Ma'a Nonu.


Australia
James O'Connor, Lachie Turner, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess, Richard Brown, George Smith (capt), Rocky Elsom, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.

Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Ben Alexander, Dean Mumm, David Pocock, Will Genia, Ryan Cross, Peter Hynes.

- NZPA