The 100 times capped Carter has barely played this year and has spent much of his time since August revering from a broken leg sustained in the Super Rugby final. But New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has recalled his star player for the four match tour that includes Tests against the United States, England, Scotland and Wales.
Â
Carter, the world record points scorer with 1442, has played nine times against Wales in the past, winning on each occasion. He has scored 162 in those games at a match average of 18.
Â
Carter will be one of three outside halves included in the 34 man touring party, along with Beauden Barrett and Aaron Cruden. He takes the place of Colin Slade, who kicked the match-winning conversion against Australia last weekend.
“He’s been training without being able to play because he’s had a bit of nerve damage to the leg he broke. He’s getting better and better all the time and he’s extremely confident of being able to play. He knows his body better than anybody and if he’s confident, I’m confident,” said Hansen.
Williams was also included after having played less than a full game of rugby since his return to the 15-man code following two seasons with the Sydney Roosters in Australia’s National Rugby League. He previously enjoyed a successful stint in union that included a World Cup win with the All Blacks in 2011 and a Super Rugby title with the Waikato Chiefs.
However, with only five matches before next year’s World Cup, Hansen was keen to have him involved as quickly as possible. Lock Luke Romano was a surprise inclusion after breaking his leg in Super Rugby and not playing for five months.
New Zealand Tour PartyÂ
Backs:Â Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Charles Piutau, Cory Jane, Julian Savea, Malakai Fekitoa, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty, Dan Carter, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Augustine Pulu.
Forwards:Â Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Liam Messam, Victor Vito, Patrick Tuipulotu, Brodie Retallick, Jeremy Thrush, Luke Romano, Sam Whitelock, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Joe Moody, Wyatt Crockett, Dane Coles, Keven Mealamu, Nathan Harris.
