10 May 2012

Carter says he won't rush back to kicking duties

6:04 am on 10 May 2012

Dan Carter won't be rushing back to goal kicking duties simply to play at first five for the All Blacks, in next months tests against Ireland.

Carter's back playing full matches for the Crusaders but at second five eighth, as he still hasn't recovered fully from the groin injury which prematurely ended his World Cup campaign.

That's meant Tom Taylor's been playing at first five and carrying out the goal kicking duties.

The All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says if Carter's to play at first five against Ireland he needs to be goal kicking, but Carter won't put a timeframe on when that might happen.

Carter says he's following his rehab plan and remaining week to week and while Taylor is kicking well, he doesn't see any reason to rush back.