All Black Dan Carter will have a protection squad when he makes his senior debut for Southbridge against Hornby at Denton Oval.

Carter will turn out for his club tomorrow, in his much-awaited return to the game after recovering from an Achilles injury he suffered playing for French club Perpignan in January.

Southbridge halfback and captain Michael Sheat says Carter is the probably the biggest name in international rugby. He says they have appointed a 150 kilogram protector for the All Blacks first-five in the form of prop Hodamona Manuel, or "Big H" as he is known by teammates.

"I'm sure he'll be able to get in the way of any runners coming through. He's a big boy so I'm sure he'll try and help out in that cause."

Sheat says he has been given plenty of stick from Southbridge fans not to send any rubbish passes at Carter's bootlaces, which he says will be his aim for the day.