England to feel backlash from Dan Carter's ban

New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter fired an ominous warning to England by declaring he is fit, fresh and ready to take out his frustration on Martin Johnson's men at Twickenham tomorrow, writes Steve Douglas.

The peerless No 10 was forced to sit out the All Blacks' 20-6 win over Italy last Saturday after being slapped with a one-week ban for a high tackle on Wales scrum-half Martin Roberts the previous weekend.

The time off has also allowed him to fully recover from a niggling calf problem, and he is now ready to help New Zealand round off their season with victories over England and then France next Saturday.

"If anything, the ban has made me more motivated to go out and play after a weekend off. I am fresh and ready to go," said Carter, who is back to his best after missing the first six months of the year through injury.

"I don't feel I'm at the end of my season and that's a real bonus for me. I have a lot of energy and I'm looking forward to the game."

Carter is relishing his eagerly anticipated head to head with England Jonny Wilkinson, adding: "You always love coming up against guys who you admire, and this weekend will be exactly that."