Dan Carter making good progress

All Black first five Dan Carter is making steady progress in his return from injury, and could see some action before the end of the NPC.

Carter is recovering from a fractured leg and damaged calf suffered in the first Bledisloe Cup test in Sydney a month ago.

Canterbury coach Aussie Mclean says the situation is better than first thought, especially as far as recovery time is concerned, with Carter back doing some light jogging.

McLean says he is hopeful of having Carter back for one or two games towards the tail end of Canterbury's campaign.

Meanwhile, Canterbury will not be rolling out the big guns for this weekend's Ranfurly Shield defence.

The defending NPC champions are preparing to face Waikato at Jade Stadium on Saturday night.

Aussie McLean has confirmed none of the current All Black squad members will be back this weekend.

McLean says prop Greg Somerville is likely to be the first to return for next week's match against Wellington.

- NEWSTALK ZB