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LONDON - New Zealand coach Graham Henry said he expected to call upon a "more mature" Dan Carter when the first five-eighths returned to the international scene following a six-month stint with French club Perpignan.
The 26-year-old Carter, widely regarded as the world's leading No 10, will join
the Top 14 side this week for a brief spell which could see him miss the All Blacks' next tests, at home to Italy and France in June, although he should be available for the start of New Zealand's Tri-Nations title defence in July.
"I think it will be stimulating for him," Henry said. "I think he'll grow from that challenge.
"When you go and play in a different country it's a personal challenge rather than a rugby challenge," the former Wales coach added.
"I think he'll handle the rugby it's just whether he'll handle playing in a different environment, a different language and so on. I'm sure he'll handle that as well.
"I think he'll end up a more mature rugby player for that experience."
Carter contributed 17 points to New Zealand's 32-6 thrashing of England here yesterday, a win that, following victories this month over Scotland, Ireland and Wales, meant they completed a Grand Slam without conceding a try.
Remarkably, given he averages 20 points a game against England and his status as one of the world's leading goalkickers, Carter missed five of his 11 shots at the Twickenham posts.
"I didn't kick well but thankfully the team were great and the result didn't come down to kicking," said Carter, whose clever chip set up the second of fullback Mils Muliaina's two tries.
This victory saw New Zealand round off 2008 with a record of 13 wins from 15 tests, the Tri-Nations title, the Bledisloe Cup and a grand slam.
The world's number one ranked side had won everything available to them this year although all that will never be enough for those All Black fans desperate to see the team add to their lone, 1987 World Cup title.
When New Zealand became rugby union's first world champions 21 years ago, they did so on home soil and their supporters will hope history can repeat itself when they stage the next edition in 2011.
Henry, who together with coaching assistants Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen, was, to the fury of many fans, retained despite last year's World Cup quarter-final loss to France, was understandably upbeat.
"I think we're in good shape and there's one or two youngsters, who might be included next year. But I would imagine the core that played last night would still be around in 2011."
Asked to "reflect" on this year's achievements, Henry said: "I had a very long reflection. It got duller as the night went on. I was pleased to wake up this morning still alive.
"It's a special year, the players have created a legacy for the 2008 team."
- AFP