Carter makes impressive comeback

New Zealand 64-13 Canada:New Zealand flyhalf Dan Carter scored 29 points in his comeback from injury as the All Blacks hammered Canada 64-13 in a one-off test at Hamilton today.

Carter, who missed last week's 61-10 win over France with an ankle injury, showed no signs of trouble as he scored three tries and kicked seven conversions from 10 attempts on his return.
   
Wing Sitiveni Sivivatu, centre Luke McAlister, prop John Schwalger, hooker Andrew Hore, flanker Chris Masoe, wing Doug Howlett and replacement Rico Gear also scored tries as the All Blacks recovered from a slow start to run in 10 touchdowns.
   
The Canadians, who were tipped by New Zealand bookmakers to lose by at least 70 points, held the All Blacks to 26-13 at halftime before running out of steam in the second term.
   
Fullback Mike Pyke scored Canada's lone try when he intercepted a pass from Carter and sprinted 90 metres downfield while wing James Pritchard landed the conversion and two penalties.
   
The Canadians began strongly, upsetting the All Blacks with their robust defence and well-organised attack, but could not contain the more experienced New Zealanders for the full 80 minutes.
   
They should have gone to the break trailing 19-13 but conceded a try after the halftime siren had sounded, then another two minutes after the re-start to allow the All Blacks to open up a 20-point cushion.
   
Carter scored all three of his tries in the second half as New Zealand shook off the rust and scored 38 unanswered points.
  
The All Blacks travel to South Africa next weekend to play the Springboks in the Tri-Nations.