The Blues have lured two of the all-time great five-eighths for their Super Rugby campaign after signing All Blacks legend Dan Carter as an injury replacement.
A franchise which has struggled for direction and success since Carlos Spencer’s departure 15 years ago, now boast past and present All Blacks playmakers Carter and Beauden Barrett as their options at No.10 for the looming season.
Carter, 38, confirmed reports on Thursday he was returning to the New Zealand game, having become a free agent when the Japan Top League shut down in March.
The world record Test point-scorer and dual World Cup winner has trained with his new teammates.
He later warned he’s unlikely to be seen until several weeks into the two-month competition which starts on June 13.
When he gets on the park, it will be the first game on New Zealand soil for five years for Carter who served the Crusaders in Super Rugby for 13 seasons.
“I have not played for several months so it will be a number of weeks before I will be ready to be considered to play. And then only if my form warrants it,” he said.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to train in the same city that my kids go to school in and my family are currently living.
“For me it is a chance to mentor some young players and to give back to New Zealand rugby.”
The last of Carter’s 112 Tests was the 2015 World Cup final win over Australia at Twickenham, where he took his points tally to 1598 and was later crowned world player of the year for a third time.
He took up offshore contracts at Racing 92 in Paris and the Kobelco Steelers, who he steered to the Japan club title in his first season.
The brilliant Barrett is expected to be the starting No.10 when the Blues host the Hurricanes in the opening round next week.
That game was expected to be all about Barrett, a nine-season Hurricane who has yet to make his Blues debut.
However, two-time world player of the year Barrett acknowledged the game’s profile had gone to another level following Carter’s move.
“How good eh? Here I was thinking ‘next week is going to be hectic’, but holy hecker,” Barrett said to Carter during training in comments picked up by media.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Piru mate. We still have the raw talent in Te Waipunamu.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Yep as Orange boys, but even then they'd be scratching
Phil
Guest
Might be a little bit for the publicity too,JD.Not that I don't think he could still be a handy contributor.He is probably my all time favourite player,along with Tim Horan(I am an Aussie after all!),and I do think he just enjoys playing as well. He has always looked,to me,as one of those players who just seemed so comfortable on the field and had so much time to execute the plays,which is the sign of a champion.He may not have as much time to do it these days,but I wish him good luck!
Jacko
Guest
If they were that great why didnt they contribute to more titles than that? As for the 2011 Reds win well they certainly got extremely lucky there...Crusaders had no home ground all season and spent the whole year travelling for every game....that is an ***** if ever their was one. And 100% Quade and Carlos were hot and cold....Rocks or Diamonds.....
Jacko
Guest
I dont feel sorry for Otere Black. He has never nailed down a position in the starting side anywhere he has played at SR level. Its Pro sport not U12s where everyone gets a game. for me OB still has not played to the potential he showed as a youngster...
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
Go the bloody Blues mate!
Davos
Guest
Carlos and Quade contributed massively to the Blues 2003 and Reds 2011 title wins. Nothing since they left .Qld Have had 2 dud coaches since " EWEN THE GREAT " left. Graham and Thorn so that is QLDs problems. Stiles wasn't given a fair go. Dunno about the Blues.
Lux Interior
Roar Rookie
Would Quadie know what a tackle bag looks like?
JP
Guest
Goons coaching career is an absolute chaotic disaster !!!!!!
piru
Roar Rookie
You're welcome btw.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Must be because of the sand, heat and bush-flies Piru.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Even at two for the price of one, would the Crusaders want Foley and Cooper?
Davis
Guest
I doubt he'll be playing full games at so starting position is irrelevent. Late impact off the bench in his favoured position would be my guess. Also, Macdonald is building the team for the future is it's going well so he won't want to annoy any of the guys he's developing by benching them just to give Carter a run. He's better off playing his normal team and slotting Carter in late on whenever he's needed.
Davis
Guest
Exactly right. His main role prior to this injury cover was a consultant/mentor. Macdonald asked him to come in and mentor some of the younger guys, even Barrett with his kicking "challenges". The playing role only came up due to Perofeta's foot injury. I don't think we'll see too much of Carter on the field - some late game cameos off the bench is probably all he'll get but can still have an impact doing that.
Davis
Guest
You don't need to feel sorry for Otere Black. He will quite likely continue as the preferred 10 with Barrett at 15. As you point out Carter still has some rugby in him but he's not young anymore and is also a bit fragile as injuries mount up. Also both Carter and Leon Macdonald are realists and they know he is not going to be able to play full games and blow things apart like he once did. The best use of him will be coming off the bench with 20mins to go with the aim of changing up the attack if it's needed.
Davis
Guest
I'll be honest - you lost me at the second paragraph and I didn't read on. Just to be clear the Blues didn't struggle because of Carlos Spencer's departure 15 years ago. He was quite good but not that good. Hot and cold if my memory serves me correctly. Very much in the mold of Quade Cooper. Also, as far as options at 10 go Otere Black was in storming form prior to the lockdown, Harry Plummer is also developing very well. Given Barrett's versatility he will probably spend more time at 15 than 10 and Carter will simply be an option off the bench at 10.
The Set Peace
Roar Rookie
Great story, this is what Australia needs, genuine superstars back in the game, saturate the media from the other codes.
rebel
Roar Guru
Can never have enough tackle bags.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
That's a bit harsh... at least until the 11th July... then that mofo better know all bets are off... Province before person...
ScottD
Roar Guru
Visionary