NZ's Carter makes return from Achilles' injury

New Zealand's Daniel Carter beats the tackle of England's Jamie Noon during their rugby test match in Christchurch June 21, 2008.

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand flyhalf Daniel Carter returned to the rugby field on Saturday, six months after rupturing his Achilles' tendon while playing in France.

Carter played the full 80 minutes for Southbridge in their 34-13 victory over Hornby at Denton Oval in Canterbury club rugby and said he felt ready to turn out for his provincial side next week.

The 27-year-old ruptured his Achilles in January while playing for Perpignan in a six-month sabbatical from New Zealand rugby.

"You can do so much rehab and get in the gym and do speed work ... but until you're out on the field its different so it's a start and I really enjoyed it," he told Television New Zealand.

Carter said he had not been thinking about a return to the All Blacks, but was confident he could play next Saturday for Canterbury in their opening national provincial championship game against North Harbour.

The game attracted a large media contingent and crowd of about 2,000, TV3 reported.

"I haven't really thought too much about the All Blacks. I just want to get back playing rugby.

"I'll see if Pens (Canterbury coach Rob Penney) wants me for next week. I'll be available."

(Reporting by Greg Stutchbury; Editing by Peter Rutherford)