International rugby’s all-time leading points scorer Dan Carter admits there will be pressure on him to perform as he prepares to make his All Blacks return after injury.
Carter is hoping be involved when New Zealand, who host the British & Irish Lions in 2017, take on the USA at Chicago’s Soldier Field next weekend.
The fly-half, who has 1442 points at international level, hasn’t appeared for his country since last November thanks to a six-month sabbatical from rugby followed by a broken leg sustained in the Super Rugby final in August.
But fighting fit once more, Carter says he has targeted the USA game for his comeback before the All Blacks travel to Europe to take on England, Scotland and Wales.
“That's the plan – I'm preparing to play that game,” Carter told ONE News. “That's what I'm targeting.
“I've got the confidence of the medical staff and earned the confidence of the selectors to pick me.
“It's a frustrating injury – a bit of nerve damage around the fracture site. It could have happened to anybody. It was a direct blow.
“There's going to be pressure but I'm excited. I need to be realistic in my approach with the confidence I need to get back on the field.”
