All Blacks: Sydney berth unlikely for Carter

Dan Carter. Photo / Getty Images

He might be bluffing, keeping secret some deal already struck, but Dan Carter said last night the indication is that he's not in the frame to play against the Wallabies in Sydney on August 22.

The Canterbury first five has not been invited to the All Black camp this Wednesday in Auckland. Instead, he'll continue his rehabilitation with Canterbury and see what happens once he has another game under his belt.

What he does know for sure is that he's feeling sharper and if the selectors were to ask if he is ready, he would say yes.

"The All Blacks are pretty hard to turn down," he said. "If they want me to play, I'd be keen. The All Blacks are the ultimate that is what I am aiming towards."

It's going to be a tough call for the selectors. Carter played with the same effortless rhythm he always does. He was never flustered. He never panicked or looked rushed.

He was in control all night. The only doubt Carter has is that his leg is not quite springing into action as he would like.

His acceleration is not as sharp as it was, due to the lack of activity in his calf muscle and the damage that was inflicted. Other than that, he feels he's progressed well.

"I'm pretty happy with my vision and the way I am reading the game. To get 80 minutes of rugby and have the body feel good is really pleasing."

The issue is whether rushing Carter back into action is the right choice longer-term. Stephen Donald's confidence would be shot if Carter were to leap-frog him on such limited rations.

Then there is the point Carter himself was keen to point out.

"The All Blacks are not in crisis or anything like that. One player can't make that much difference.

"They lost two games against a very good South African side."

The sensible decision would be to leave Carter until the All Blacks' home games on September 12 and 19. That's when he will have found more spring in his leg and proven without doubt he's ready to come back.

It might also be the case by then that the All Blacks are not under so much pressure; that Carter can slot in without the extra expectation of transforming the team.