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Saturday, Sat, 14 DecemberDec 2024
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Rugby: Carter shows he's still got it

Despite the fog, his class shone through.

Legendary All Blackfirst five-eighth Dan Carter returned to rugby yesterday and confirmed to the world that he's back - and that he's still got it.

The 100-test international star returned to Southbridge, the grassroots club 50km south of Christchurch where he cut his teeth through the age groups en route to becoming the world's best player.

Carter, 32, stuck to the game plan and came off after 40 minutes of the Luisetti Seeds Division One playoff match against a fired-up Glenmark.

He was the difference in the first-half. As the fog thickened, the heavy pitch cut up and emitted a sweet, pungent mud smell, Carter did the small things; to perfection.

His first touch: a mid-field bomb that the Glenmark fullback juggled.

His second touch: a deft inside pass that delighted the massive crowd.

"Beautiful," a rugged farmer in gumboots cooed from the sidelines.

Seven minutes in, he turned down a shot at goal from halfway, on the angle. He kicked to within 10 metres of the corner flag.

"Pretty f****** good isn't he," the trainer quipped, running past.

Couple of solid tackles, one creating a turnover, and penalty 30m out, in front of the posts, half of the height of most international posts.

The familiar sight, step back, left foot lacing it through the middle, trot back to halfway. 3-0.

Glenmark fighting back. Carter's second tackle, he lands awkwardly, finding himself on the wrong side of the ruck.

"Ruck him!" scream the Glenmark bench in pantomime unison.

"I wouldn't have minded some war scars to show the Crusader boys on Monday," Carter said afterwards.

After 20 minutes, his hands are on hips, sucking in air.

But moments later, he sees the play: a cross-field kick, collected by flying Fijian winger, Peni Manumanuniliwa, for the game's first try in the corner. Carter converts from the sideline. 10-0.

Glenmark hits back with an industrious try before the game gets ugly. Glenmark prop Andrew Zuppicich is sent off for an alleged eye-gouge. Carter kicks the penalty from in front.

The posts have disappeared in the mist.

But Carter can still spot opportunities. He plucks a loose pass off his boot laces and spirals a perfect double cut-out pass for another try out wide. Again he converts.

Four kicks from four, set up both tries, Southbridge leading 20-5 when he's subbed off at halftime.

"It was pleasing. I didn't really apply myself all that much," he laughs afterwards, while watching Southbridge romp to a resounding 51-10 victory.

"But the things I did do, I was pleased with.

"I enjoyed it. It was good to get the shoulders on and get some physicality after such a long break.

"There were a couple of guys lining up to have a run at me, which was good fun."

It was Carter's first match since he limped off Twickenham last year in his 100th test.

He has been on sabbatical since, undergoing surgery on a niggly ankle, and spending time with wife Honor and 1-year old son Marco.

Depending on a positive recovery, he plans to train with the Crusaders this week, before another Southbridge match next weekend.

He hopes to soon be available for the Crusaders before the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship in August.

The troublesome Achilles came through well, he said.

And while he admits to "catching his breath" during the first half, he was happy with his fitness.

Carter's only previous senior game for Southbridge was an away game in 2009.

Club president Gary McGregor estimated a crowd of 2000 - 3000 yesterday.

Carter stayed and signs autographs for the crowds of youngsters who surrounded him.

"It's been a long time," Carter said about his return.

"This is where I played all of my age group rugby so there's a lot of memories out here."

Southbridge captain, Shannon Donald said it was a pleasure to play outside Carter.

"He's definitely still got it," the 24-year-old said.

"It's outstanding to play outside him. Just the way he reads the game - he's always thinking three phases ahead and he just has so much time."

Carter's father Neville, who earlier coached the Division 2 Southbridge team, was also pretty impressed.

"He went out there, had some fun, and just did what he had to do," he said in the bar afterwards, where his famous son soon joined him.

- By Kurt Bayer of APNZ

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