Carter hopeful of round five return

DAN CARTER is aiming to return to action when the Crusaders host the Cheetahs on March 24.

Carter returned to training after a two-month holiday in South America and the United States.

The All Blacks first five says he has recovered from the groin injury that ended his Rugby World Cup campaign and is hopeful of playing in the round five clash against the Cheetahs, which also doubles as the Crusaders' first match at the new Christchurch stadium.

“I'm refreshed now, the body feels good, the groin's good, and the excitement levels are right up there," he told the Christchurch Star.

Carter says the players were excited about being able to play in Christchurch after being forced to play away from home last year due to AMI Stadium suffering major damage as a result of the Christchurch earthquake.

“It's going to be a very important one for Christchurch and I'd love to be out and part of that game, so I'm working extremely hard to try and get that.

“But obviously it's up to Toddy (coach Todd Blackadder), and I can do whatever I can in the next few weeks to be playing.”