Wynne Gray: Fresh-looking Carter appears ready

Dan Carter of the All Blacks makes a break during the match against Japan. Photo / Getty Images

If Daniel Carter was a golfer, he'd have reloaded after a couple of stray drives from the first tee.

However, by the time he signed his card he had regained those dropped shots and his composure and delivered a strong message about his value to the All Blacks for this week's scrap with England.

Carter had an eventful 30 minutes on Soldier Field where the high tempo match allowed him numerous touches, time as captain when Kieran Read was subbed and a chance to show his exceptional goal-kicking.

In that brief period, Carter looked ready. Once he'd got two ropey passes out of the way, we saw the attributes which have been hidden for most of the last year since he played his 100th test.

Provided Carter does not suffer any physical reaction, his work will have heated up the selection debates even more or if you believe some whispers, will have reinforced the All Black coaches' plan to play him against England.

If that's true, does Carter start or will he be used as a strike weapon from the bench?

Surely the answer has to be Carter in the No 10 black jersey rather than the No 22 he wore yesterday in the All Blacks' 74-6 demolition of USA.

When the selectors go through their plans and checklists, they will paste Aaron Cruden into the mix as well. He is a very talented five eighths who would be welcome by most nations as a regular selection. His problem is Carter and Beauden Barrett - their specialist work, their versatility and goalkicking.

Cruden was back in the side yesterday after a three-game spell brought on by his poor timekeeping then Barrett's impressive form against the Pumas, Springboks and Wallabies.

There was a strong edge to Cruden's all-round play but that concern about his goalkicking which festers from time to time, was on show. A number of his attempts were from the sideline but four from nine was not a great return.

When Carter came on with that measured step and sweep through the kicking zone, he split the posts with each of his three sideline conversions. They were all from the most awkward side too for a left-foot kicker. There were the offloads as well, the ability to absorb contact and muscle up on attackers and another sign of those instincts he brings to straighten the attack then pass to a teammate.

Maybe a sabbatical then the injury rest have brought a renewed verve to the 32-year-old's game. Apart from his uncharacteristic first few touches, Carter looked at ease. It's that sort of aura which is such a boost for the All Blacks.

They will all feel more assured if they know a fresh Carter is primed for Twickenham while England will not share that same enthusiasm and their coaching staff will be working overtime on ways to counter the backline general.

Anything to make England sweat, to distract them from other parts of their game and make them fret that Carter averages almost 14.5 points every time he plays a test.

His sporting computer is the latest model, his frame has been restored. Let him loose at Twickers.