Carter's final show at Christchurch

 

The brutal facts are this: following their 23-29 loss to the Hurricanes last Saturday the Crusaders, who sit ninth on the Super Rugby log, are at very long odds to qualify for the play-offs. To even mention they could host a play-off match is to risk ridicule. 

 

With their remaining home fixture against the Hurricanes on May 29 being transferred to Nelson to accommodate the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, the Crusaders' days in Christchurch are just about numbered.

 

"Being a Cantabrian and growing up in Christchurch, to play for Canterbury and the Crusaders has meant so much to me," Carter, who joins French club Racing Metro after the World Cup, told The Press newspaper. 

 

"To think it is probably going to be my last game on home soil means it will be a pretty emotional time throughout the week.

 

"What I love about playing at home is being in front of the fans. They are the best in the world, so hopefully we can get a good turnout."

 

With the All Blacks scheduled to face Argentina in Christchurch on July 17, Carter may return for one more game.

 

But his days of representing the Crusaders at the Addington venue – along with Richie McCaw (if he is over his concussion issues), Colin Slade and Tom Taylor – are almost done.

 

McCaw is set to retire after the World Cup, Slade and Taylor will join French clubs.

 

Supporters who have monitored Carter's career since he debuted for Canterbury (2002) and the Crusaders (2003) may also feel sentimental as they farewell the boy from Southbridge, who graduated to be one of the greatest flyhalves of all time.

 

The irony is Carter, who has played 102 Tests and made 136 appearances for the Crusaders, is unlikely to play flyhalf against the Reds.

 

Coach Todd Blackadder is again expected to start Colin Slade at No.10, meaning Carter will continue to operate at No.12.

 

Carter, 33, cannot be deaf to the discussions about whether Blackadder should switch him to flyhalf, but refuses to fuel that debate.

 

"I just want to be playing. Obviously my preference is No.10 but I am doing what is best for the team at No.12," Carter added.

 

"It is just one of those things, I have to get on with it and Sladie [Slade] is in fantastic form. It just makes sense." 

 

Carter has certainly not lost anything in terms of defence, and this was illustrated in the last three weeks where he contained Ma'a Nonu, George Moala and Sonny Bill Williams.

 

A bonus-point win over the Reds, who have a lost eight and won just two games, is crucial for the Crusaders if they are to remain in the hunt for a play-off berth.

 

Carter emphasized the need to win before the bye and refused to accept they were out of contention:  "No, definitely not. We just need a couple of wins to get right back in this competition."

 

Source: The Press