Super Rugby
Carter pencilled in for March return
ESPNscrum Staff
January 11, 2012
The Crusaders' Dan Carter looks to shift the ball, Stormers v Crusaders, Super Rugby Semi-Final, Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa, July 2, 2011
Dan Carter is aiming to be back for either the Crusaders' first or second home match © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Todd Blackadder | Dan Carter
Tournaments/Tours: Super Rugby

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder expects Dan Carter to be back for the Super Rugby side by March.

Carter picked up a groin injury during the 2011 World Cup and missed the majority of the tournament with Graham Henry forced to look elsewhere to fill the void left by the man widely labeled as the world's best No.10. And with the Super Rugby season starting on February 24 for the Crusaders when they tackle the Blues at Eden Park, Blackadder is hopeful that he can call on Carter sooner rather than later.

"He is going to be back in March, hopefully for our first or second home game," Blackadder said. "He is still in rehab mode but he's looking in good shape."

Carter was joined by Richie McCaw in returning to pre-season this week. McCaw did not take part in training, however, but is said to be recovering well from the surgery on his right foot which plagued him throughout the World Cup.

And Blackadder admitted that he was pleased with how the Crusaders' pre-season has gone so far. The coach tweaked certain aspects of their training routine and he is delighted with the results.

"I think we're running a far better programme but the results will have to speak for themselves, but early on I'm really pleased, we've got a new trainer so he's been a bit of a different work ethos to the Crusaders this year," Blackadder told NewstalkZB. "Everyone gets to meet everyone and introduce themselves and basically make sure we start as we left our pre-season training, getting everyone up to speed who hasn't been involved."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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