Carter targets Chicago comeback

All Black legend Dan carter feels he is ready to get back onto the Test stage, despite his limited game time this year.

Carter, who enjoyed a six-month sabbatical in the first half of the year, has seen just 40 minutes of NPC action in New Zealand's domestic competition since his return.

However, he looks set to start against the United States in the opening match of the tour in Chicago this coming Saturday.

"I've got the confidence of the medical staff and earned the confidence of the selectors to pick me," Carter told ONE News prior to flying out for the landmark game in Chicago on Sunday.

"It's a frustrating injury. A bit of nerve damage around the fracture site."

Sooner rather than later would suit Carter just fine as well, as excitement was the catch phrase from the Test centurion.

Responding to the theory he may be under pressure to last the tour because of his recent past, Carter admitted: "There's going to be pressure.

"It's more excitement actually, I'm fresh."

No one is holding their breath about Carter's ability to string a series of games together but the man was philosophical about his latest injury.

"It could have happened to anybody. It was a direct blow."

Coach Steve Hansen has two coiled springs in the same position in Carter and Aaron Cruden and the former has targeted the Soldier Field Test as his comeback match.

"That's the plan. I'm preparing to play that game. That's what I'm targeting."

And it would be apt for Carter to show his stuff on the new global stage with Hansen confirming as much as a perfect opportunity for the All Black brand.

"It's exciting to take the game of rugby to America."

"The All Blacks are a pretty special outfit and play good rugby."

Source: ONE News