Rugby: Carter passes his test

Dan Carter (R) scored one try and set up two more during his return to club rugby. Photo / Getty Images

Daniel Carter passed his first significant test when the All Black first five-eighth successfully completed a club game in Christchurch today.

Carter played the entire 80 minutes for his Southbridge club - his first competitive match since suffering an Achilles injury during his French sabbatical with Perpignan in February.

After his side defeated Hornby 34-13 at Denton Oval, the 27-year-old declared himself available for defending champion Canterbury's opening Air NZ Cup match at North Harbour next Saturday.

Carter missed his first four attempts at goal but ran the Southbridge backline with aplomb, having a hand in two tries before scoring himself in the final minute.

He was relieved to get through the match and was looking forward to next weekend.

"You can do so much rehab and get in the gym and do speed work .... but until you're out on the field its different so it's a start and I really enjoyed it," he told Television New Zealand.

The game attracted a large media contingent and crowd of about 2000.

- NZPA