All Blacks legend Dan Carter who is making a rare return for the Blues in Super Rugby Aotearoa says at this current stage he has to be realistic as he has played six games in the last 18 months and had three months of no rugby training.
He says it is going to be a process to get him up to speed.
The 38-year-old links up with the Auckland side as an injury replacement for Stephen Perofeta.
He trained with the team today.
Carter's signing sees him return to New Zealand rugby having departed for the French side Racing 92 after the 2015 Rugby World Cup and also playing for Japanese Top League side Kobelco Steelers.
Carter has played 141 matches for the Crusaders during his time in Super Rugby, winning three titles between 2003 and 2015.
The Blues first match will against the Hurricanes at 3.05 pm next Sunday while the opening match for the Super Rugby Aotearoa will be the Highlanders taking on the Chiefs at 5.05 pm next Saturday.
