New Zealand
Dan Carter makes a successful return to rugby
ESPN Staff
June 14, 2014
Dan Carter poses with his Southbridge team-mates for a team photo © Getty Images
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Dan Carter has made a successful return to rugby, taking the field at fly-half for Canterbury club side Southbridge on Saturday. The All Blacks superstar, returning from a six-month sabbatical, demonstrated many of the skills that have made him one of the best players in history - setting up two tries and kicking 10 points, including two kicks from the sideline, against Glenmark.

Dan Carter makes a break for Southbridge in his comeback match, Southbridge v Glenmark, Southbridge, Canterbury, June 14, 2014
Dan Carter makes a break for Southbridge in his comeback match © Getty Images
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Carter was substituted at half-time, with his side leading 20-5, much to the disappointment to the 2000 spectators who had turned out for the match. Southbridge won the Canterbury Combined Country first-division play-off 50-10, and Carter hopes to play again next week after confirming he will not be fit to play for the Crusaders against England on Tuesday.

"It was a lot of fun, and hopefully, I'll be back next week for a bit more game time," Carter told Fairfax Media in New Zealand.

Carter said he was "easing back into'' rugby, and he was mindful that the muddy ground - wet from a week of steady rain - were "heavier than what I'm used to''. He said the lungs "weren't too bad'' with his fitness work paying off, "but there were a couple of moments there when I was catching my breath".

"Luckily, it wasn't too open a game.''

Carter said of the large crowd that it was "great to see such a big turnout''.

"It was good to make another memory today. When I found out the game was at home, it was pretty special. The game I played five years ago wasn't at home, so this makes it a little more special to have the community come out and support us.'"

Dan Carter poses with fans after his comeback match © Getty Images
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