Dan Carter isn’t sure if his rusty outing against Scotland will be enough to earn an All Blacks Test spot against Wales.

Even if he does, he believes any return to the peak of his powers won’t happen until next year.

Coach Steve Hansen will name his strongest team for Saturday’s Test in Cardiff, with the No.10 jersey again a source of intrigue.

Carter did his chances of leapfrogging Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett little good with a sub-par performance in the 24-16 defeat of the Scots at Murrayfield.

The 32-year-old admits he was off the pace, particularly in the first 20 minutes, struggling to come to terms with the speed of the Scottish defensive line and their ability to slow down the ball at rucks.

“The timing wasn’t quite right and I was just making a few errors, hence not being able to get into the game,” he said.

“I get another week of training with the team, another chance to learn the game plan and just keep improving.”

Carter believes his best rugby won’t be seen until he’s had six or seven consecutive games under his belt.

That will happen in the Crusaders’ Super Rugby campaign next year, but only if he doesn’t add to an extensive catalogue of injury problems.

He doesn’t want to make any excuses in a World Cup year.

“I have high expectations of the level I want to play, but I have to be realistic at the moment.”

Carter has no clue whether his 56-minute effort at Murrayfield will be enough to add another Test to his injury-blighted year.

Cruden and Barrett were both rested in Edinburgh, with Colin Slade slotting into five-eighth when Carter exited.

Slade was surprised how much he enjoyed a rare outing on the wing for the first three-quarters of the Test although became frustrated at the lack of ball which came his way.

“You can grow an appreciation for what they do out there, but I certainly felt more comfortable at 10,” he said.