All Black Carter eyes Crusaders return in July

The 32-year-old, the highest points scorer in Test rugby, is hoping the six-month rest will help extend his international career through New Zealand's defence of the World Cup in 2015.

Carter last played against England at Twickenham in November and is looking to return after the All Blacks host the same opponents for three tests in June.

"I'm pretty keen to play a couple of Crusaders games after the test series so that's what I'll be working towards (and) potentially a club game or two before then," Carter told the New Zealand Herald newspaper.

The seven-times champion Crusaders have made a poor start to their Super Rugby campaign with two defeats in their first three matches but Carter expects them to be in a much better position by the time he is available again.

"It's a pretty stock standard start by the Crusaders, to be honest - typically slow," he said.

"They'll be fine, I'm sure they'll get a lot better as the competition goes on."