Dan Carter admits that the lure of a World Cup is spurring him on to improve his game during the upcoming off-season.
New Zealand, who host the British & Irish Lions in 2017, won all four of their recent autumn internationals but Carter himself only appeared against USA and Scotland.
This followed an injury-plagued year for the veteran fly-half but now back to full fitness he is eager to stake a claim for the No. 10 jersey come next September’s World Cup.
And while the 32-year-old will have to fight off the talented trio of Beauden Barrett, Aaron Cruden and Colin Slade to do so, Carter is adamant that he is prepared for the battle.
“The body is really good, better than it was when I flew out of New Zealand to go on tour which is encouraging,” he said.
“I can actually train hard and get some gains throughout the off-season. Your position is never granted, even more so this year with a lot of competition and depth around the No.10 jersey.
“The team the selectors decide will be on merit and form so it's a great opportunity for all the guys to put their hand up, make the most of Super Rugby and be considered for what everyone is working towards, that World Cup.
“Getting to the end of my career it's something that's driving me and I'd love to be a part of it. There's a lot of hard work to give myself a chance of being selected in that squad.
“The beauty is we've got four capable 10s so it doesn't matter who is playing. Everyone can slot in.
“We all work extremely hard together when we're in the environment to give everyone a good crack.”
