The All Blacks are muted about the prospect of Daniel Carter returning to prop up their limping Tri-Nations rugby campaign.

About the only person getting emotional at the prospect of the world-class first five-eighth being rushed back was South African captain John Smit in the wake of the Springboks' 31-19 triumph here.

Carter, 27, has emerged as a genuine prospect to play in New Zealand's next Test, against Australia in Sydney in three weeks.

Having recovered from the Achilles tendon injury suffered in France six months ago, Carter was steady during his return to Canterbury colours in yesterday's Air NZ Cup loss to North Harbour.

It followed a solid club outing that will surely put the scorer of 879 Test points in the sights of Graham Henry, although the All Blacks coach was not giving much away in the immediate aftermath of a heavy defeat.

"We'll watch NPC rugby and see how things are going. We might need a couple of replacements through injury," Henry told NZPA.

"There'll be no panic. We'll have a look, as we always do ... Daniel is obviously one of the players we'll look at."

After a solid outing in last week's loss at Bloemfontein, first five-eighth Stephen Donald endured an error-ridden performance and was replaced by Luke McAlister for the final quarter.

He was clattered hard twice in the first two minutes and struggled to recover, with his passing game particularly erratic. More impressive was his goalkicking as he landed four from four.

However, the 25-year-old has his share of critics and may well be a casualty if Carter is deemed ready.

The All Blacks have spluttered through six sub-par Test performances this year without the Canterbury great and Smit voiced what many armchair pundits are thinking about an accelerated return for Carter.

"I can't see why not ... he's a wonderful player. I was probably celebrating his move to France more than anyone," Smit said.

"What Dan Carter brings is probably the best in every department. He's not only a good runner. He's a good kicker, he's got a good tactical head on his shoulders. He knows how to keep his team in the right areas of the field."

Winger Joe Rokocoko was anxious his former teammate's fitness was 100 per cent before he returned.

"The boys are just happy he is playing again," Rokocoko said.

"A few guys are doing well at the moment in Stephen and Lukie (McAlister), so we don't want to rush him too quick."

Fullback Mils Muliaina said Carter's Test nous would be invaluable at a time when the All Blacks were struggling for direction.

"He's got a life of experience, there's no doubting the class of Dan Carter," Muliaina said.

"But at the moment you can't just pinpoint anything on the way Steve's playing. There's a collective group of us that are not giving him the ride that he deserves."

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