New Zealand head coach and former Wales boss (1998 – 2002) Henry was relieved to receive a text message last weekend from Carter assuring him he was recovering well from last month’s ankle surgery and he hopes the player will take to the field before his side leave for their tour of Hong Kong, the UK and Ireland in six weeks time.
“We’re hoping that he’ll play a game before we go away,” said Henry. “The ankle’s good but it still needs a wee bit more manipulation it’s a wee bit stiff. He’s very pleased with where it’s at.”
But Henry is sweating a little more on the fitness of Waikato winger Sivivatu and Taranaki hooker Hore with the latter scheduled to return for his side’s ITM Cup match against Wellington on October 16, a day before the tour squad is unveiled and the former having earmarked a return from shoulder surgery just a week before.
“We’re hopeful. Obviously they’re both going to have to play a wee bit and they’re on a tight schedule,” said Henry.
“But we’re keeping close contact, our medical staff are doing the same and hopefully we’ll get a positive result.”
There is better news for Henry, and rugby fans in Wales, from modern All Black great Rokocoko, who has extended his NZRU contract until the end of 2011.
The most capped wing in All Blacks history with 66, re-signed with Auckland and will again play for the Blues in next year’s expanded Super 15 competition, meaning he will be available to tour this autumn.
“I am really enjoying my rugby here at home and am keen to continue playing throughout the rest of the year and into 2011,” said 27-year-old Rokocoko, who has started in six tests this year, made his All Blacks debut as a 19-year-old in 2003.
“It’s obviously going to be a massive year for New Zealand rugby next year and I want to be part of it.”
Elsewhere, Waikato back Richard Kahui is ruled out after fracturing his shoulder in the Tri-Nations opener against the Springboks in Auckland, and then re-injuring the area playing for his province against North Harbour earlier this month.
Tickets to see Wales take on New Zealand, as well as Australia, South Africa and Australia, this Autumn at the Millennium Stadium are available now from www.wru.co.uk/tickets Tel: 08442 777888 and to Personal callers: Cardiff Arms Store, 8 Westgate Street, Cardiff.
Saturday fixtures against the Wallabies, on 6th November, the Springboks, on 13th November and the All Blacks, on 27th November are priced at £25, £40, £60, £65 and £70, with the Friday night clash with Rugby World Cup Pool D opponents Fiji priced at just £20 and £25 with a children and concessions available for just £10.
Official hospitality packages can be purchased from just £99 per person for Wales v Fiji at the official Millennium Stadium website: www.millenniumstadium.com.
Prices start at £169 for games against Australia and South Africa and from £179 for New Zealand – packages include a ticket located in the best seats of the house, a complimentary match programme and a guest speaker from the world of rugby.
