Briefs-Carter to make comeback from injury

May 8 (Reuters) - Sports news in brief from around the world:

Rugby - New Zealand flyhalf Dan Carter will make his return from injury in this weekend's round of Super 14 matches.

Carter has not played since spraining his ankle in March but will start on the reserves' bench for the Canterbury Crusaders' against Queensland in Brisbane.

"Physically he's ready to return but, by bringing him back via the bench, we'll ease him back in slowly," Crusaders coach Robbie Deans told reporters.

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Rugby - New South Wales will delay the announcement of their next coach until after the Super 14 season to avoid distracting the team's bid to win the title.

The Waratahs announced in April they were ditching Ewen McKenzie at the end of the season and were expected to appoint his successor next week.

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Cricket - Australia's cricketers, heavily criticised for their behaviour during the recent acrimonous series against India, have lost none of their public appeal, according to a poll.