Carter eases flyhalf fears
18 May 2011
Dan Carter has committed to the Crusaders and All Blacks for another four years.
Carter has also negotiated a six-month sabbatical clause in the contract, like the one that saw him play for French Top 14 side Perpignan in 2009. Carter cited his desire to continue playing for the All Blacks as the primary reason for re-signing.
Carter is the only senior Kiwi flyhalf to re-sign for the 2012 season, with Mike Delany (Japan), Stephen Brett (Japan) and Luke McAlister (France) confirmed departures, while Stephen Donald is expected to move abroad.
Carter said: ‘It is a special moment – one I have been chewing over for the last six months. Obviously when you are making a big decision like this there’s a lot of speculation and talk and to have that put behind me is a relief and it’s great to have security in my life; to know what I am doing for my future is fantastic.
‘There were a few different reasons for signing but the underlying factor was the black jersey. If I went overseas I would not be able to wear the black jersey and that was a big reason for staying. It is not a given but it is a wee challenge for me.’
On the sabbatical, Carter said: ‘There is flexibility in the contract with the sabbatical and I am thankful to the rugby union for being flexible because four years is a long time and things can change.
‘I have not thought too much about that though. There is a playing and non-playing sabbatical element to the contract and I have not thought about that to be honest. It’s more about having the flexibilty in case I want to take up that option.’
The New Zealand Herald’s sources have confirmed the deal will make Carter the highest paid player in New Zealand alongside Richie McCaw, who is set to follow Carter’s lead and re-sign with the NZRU in the coming days.
66 Comments
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18 May 2011, 12:06 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-49:
Would think Hansen will apply for the job, Gatland and Deans are contracted elsewhere Mitch is on the sauce in J’Burg, Kirwan in Japan, Plumtree in Durban doesn’t leave to many other candidates, Joseph too green Lam Foster not good enough.
18 May 2011, 12:09 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-50:
ha actually for interest sake only where do you live in London spent alot of time there in the nineties, very fond memories
18 May 2011, 12:12 pm
Kaksioek
you’re not far wrong. Don’t forget tho that the 3 Blind Mice were able to deduce SBWs skills by observing him/his skills in Aus R.League for many years and then were able to tap in to his character – more key than anything if he was to make a successful transition – by consulting AB Legend, Tana, from their time together in Toulon.
As for playing him against ‘minor’ opposition, I would say GH has learnt 1 lesson – that he will start one team and play them throughout to gel combinations, changing them only in case of injury. At least, I HOPE he has learned that lesson ! So the indicator will be who ends up starting in the TriN will then carry through. Fascinating subplots abound.
18 May 2011, 12:21 pm
@NZINCHINA(NZINCHINA)-34: I reckon from what I’ve seen, admittedly not a great deal, but the young guy at the Chiefs Ker Barlow (spelling) looks like really exciting talent, but his appearances have been limited up until now. He just looks very dangerous around the fringes scored a pretty miraculous try early in the Super 15.
18 May 2011, 12:38 pm
@HongKongSlong(HongKongSlong)-54:
Don’t know him but sounds promising, your thoughts on FDP this season can he regain his outstanding form of 09′?
18 May 2011, 13:18 pm
@NZINCHINA(NZINCHINA)-52:
Chiswick now, as I have been for last 9 years. Moved there from Notting Hill once babies starting making noise.
18 May 2011, 13:21 pm
@NZINCHINA(NZINCHINA)-51:
the thought of Hansen in charge scares me somewhat. From what Ive heard of his character, he’s not best suited for the high-profile media side of things which is what lead to Mitchs eventual downfall.
18 May 2011, 13:56 pm
He knows he is not going to win a RWC gold in 2011 so he might as well try again in four years’ time.
18 May 2011, 14:06 pm
@willievz(willievz)-58:
Hawu
18 May 2011, 14:08 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-56:
I must admit I had you pegged for Richmond gentry.
18 May 2011, 14:21 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-11:
So your Inside and Outside Centres have both got groin strains??? Did they both meet the equivalent of “Susie” in the ‘Tron? One hell of a menage a trois.
See what happens when you go on tour – all those poepies!
“What goes on the road, stays on the road”
18 May 2011, 14:53 pm
@gunther(gunther)-60:
almost – I coach at that club tho. It took me a while to get used to their Waikato strip tho… and the snooty parents that frequent the bar
18 May 2011, 15:49 pm
Agree with what’s been said here, if he’s fit, Conrad Smith is the starting #13 come test match season, regardless of his Super 15 form. His backup will be interesting — my money is on Kahui. He’s a guy with outrageous skills– although his constant injuries have set him back — and has never let the selectors down in a test match.
As for #12, tough call for Henry. I give him credit for recognizing SBW’s unique skills last year and working like hell to get him back to NZ. Still raw as hell, but a future with DC at #10 and SBW/Kahui(or Freuan) in the midfield is pretty exciting stuff.
18 May 2011, 19:01 pm
@DAS(DAS)-63:
Like in 1999, 2003 (through forced injury) and 2007, the fiddling of the centre pairing close to or during a RWC will contribute significantly to the ABs downfall.
18 May 2011, 23:31 pm
@willievz(willievz)-64:
Who are you trying to convince Willie – yourself or the rest of us??
19 May 2011, 09:41 am
@HongKongSlong(HongKongSlong)-54: Sorry for late reply! I think time is running out for FDP. He should by now have started controlling games in the way that he used to, but the whole Bulls franchise has been pretty inconsistent. You can see that most of the best performers are guys on the fringes of selection, rather then the established stars. Mcaw has been nowhere near the player we know he is and can be. Everyone is gearing towards the world cup, so I expect to see the best players starting to dominate now. Back to FDP, I think he’s the kind of player who can turn it on when needed, but it remains to be seen whether he can recapture his best form in time for the world cup, I think he might, but not everyone else will..
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