Rugby: Carter comfortable at 12

Dan Carter runs in for a try. Photo / Getty Images

If Dan Carter wants to be playing more at first five for the Crusaders, he's not showing it.

The All Blacks first five's final Super Rugby season has seen him largely play second five outside Colin Slade - but Carter is comfortable wearing the 12 jersey.

"Doing whatever is best for the team, that's a big motto for us," Carter said. "Always putting the team first and if it that means we play in twelve I'm only to happy to."

Carter hasn't been the Crusaders main goal kicker since a horror show against the Chiefs last month, with Colin Slade taking shots at goal instead. Carter reckons it's an issue with his plant foot and is working to get it sorted.

"He is kicking well. It's another week and then a bye week then just continue to get on top of that and keep slotting a few and if I have to kick again then I'm more than capable."

Carter said his switch to second five for the Crusaders has helped him increase the physicality in his game in the twilight of his career.

"You are having to take the ball into contact, having to clean rucks, having to make tackles and rugby today, you have to be able to do that no matter what position you play."

"It's parts of the game I really enjoy when I'm playing so it's making you have to work harder on those three areas especially."

Meanwhile, the Crusaders won't face Karmichael Hunt this weekend after the Reds fullback was ruled out after suffering a severe bout of gastroenteritis.