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23
September 2008
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'Get Carter: Kiwi's No 10' |
New Zealand fly-half Dan
Carter admitted he was 'overwhelmed and humbled' after
flying into Perpignan on Monday to be introduced to his new
team-mates and supporters.
The Kiwi No 10, who will
take up a seven-month contract with the Catalan club on
December 1, was introduced to thousands of fans at an
official presentation following his flight in from New
Zealand, via London and Barcelona.
'It was quite surreal, really,' he said of his greeting
after his meeting with the USAP players.
His arrival will boost an
already buoyant Perpignan squad who are currently riding
high in the Top 14 following a positive start to the new
campaign. Saturday's 3-5 away win at Montpellier saw them
consolidate second place behind Stade Francais as they
recorded their fourth win in five matches.
Carter's arrival is a
massive coup for both Perpignan and Top 14, but the world's
outstanding player knows that his presence alone will not
guarantee USAP their first championship triumph since 1955.
'It's well overdue. But
the coach and the team both know that it's not one person
that's going win something. I am neither Maradona nor a rock
star. It's how I fit into the team. But we'll be doing
everything we can so that I can slot into the side, and from
there I'll be playing solely for the team, and if we go on
with confidence, everything is possible,' he said.
Asked if he could cope
with the added responsibility the All Black playmaker seemed
unfazed by the prospect.
'My personal expectations,
standards that I have for myself, are the most important
thing. I'll be looking to continue that here with USAP,
striving to be the best player that I can be,' he said.
Carter admitted that
Toulon had also been keen on securing his signature but said
the draw of the Heineken Cup had been persuasive in his
decision to join USAP.
'I've played in the same
competitions for six years now, Crusaders and All Blacks, so
I really wanted to challenge myself and I guess over here
you play a very different style of rugby, and personally I
want to broaden my rugby capabilities and adapting to
different situations, and hopefully I'll become a better
rugby player because of that.
'I'm going have to learn
about the French style, but obviously it's very forward
orientated and then playing running also. I'm sure USAP team
will have a game plan and a certain style of playing, it's
just a matter or bringing my skills in implementing their
game plan rather than coming here and trying to change the
world.'
And Carter stressed that
despite taking a seven month 'sabbatical' from playing in
New Zealand he was still very much focused on adding to his
53 All Black caps.
'It's a tough one because
I still want to be able to play for the All Blacks. I still
have goals and aspirations in the Black jersey. And to come
and play for longer (in France), I would have had to give
that up. But if it's successful and I enjoy my time here,
when I come off contract with NZRFU, who knows I might look
to come back, but that's the opportunity I've got now, seven
months. So I won't worry too much about the future further
down the tracks.'
Carter was welcomed by
Perpignan club president Paul Goze and coach Jacques Brunel.
His match is likely to be the Heineken Cup clash with
Leicester Tigers on December 6.
* Dan Carter will be flying on from Perpignan to London to
appear at Toast 2008 on Saturday, offering kicking and
playing tips at Earl's Court Olympia as part of the
celebration of southern hemisphere culture from Australia,
New Zealand and South Africa. Anyone wishing to buy tickets
or attend the event can do so at
www.toastfestivals.co.uk
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