Carter: I can’t wait to be back in Black

NEW ZEALAND playmaker Dan Carter believes putting the All Black jersey back on will bring the best out of him ahead of the season-opening Test against Ireland tomorrow.

Carter struggled to find his best form during the recently-completed Super 14 campaign as his Crusaders side bowed out at the semi-final stage for the second consecutive year.

The 28-year-old endured criticism for his performances, albeit during a season when he became just the second player to surpass 1,000 points in Super 14 rugby. Carter is also just six points shy of achieving the same feat in Test rugby and with that milestone in sight he has warned he is fully focused ahead of the one-off Test with Ireland and two further Tests against Wales.