Carter on course - but backups worry Henry

BY DUNCAN JOHNSTONE

Dan Carter's rehabilitation is pleasing the All Blacks medical staff although coach Graham Henry admits the depth of talent to fill in at No 10 "is an issue" as is cover at second five-eighths.

Those two positions are occupying the selectors' minds most as they delve into the opening phase of the Super 14.

Carter, of course, is sidelined with an Achilles injury suffered while playing for his Perpignan club in France.

All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson provided a promising update on the superstar's rehab, saying it was on course.

Carter is almost three weeks into post-surgery and was starting to be allowed to do general stretching. He would continue wearing a moon boot for a further five weeks before being allowed to handle any full weight-bearing exercises.

She had had good communication with Carter and the French medical staff.

"He is in good spirits and it's all going well," said Robinson, adding that Carter was receiving plenty of day to day care.

"We have been really pleased with the services offered in France."

No decision had been made on his return to New Zealand. That would be made with medical, contractural and personal matters all being considered.

Dr Robinson said that all going well, she envisaged Carter playing "some rugby some time after a six months period" but at what level was another matter.

Henry has had personal contact with Carter as he monitors things from a distance.

"I've chatted to him on the phone and sent him a couple of texts. I think he's been getting a lot of contact from rugby people here and he seems in good spirits," said the All Blacks coach.

"Obviously he is a concern. He is a very important player in this country and we have to try to make sure that the best is done for him. We have to rely on the medical people to do that and they tell me that everything is extremely positive at this point in time. And he is feeling good so that's the main thing."

Asked about Carter remaining in France for his rehab, Henry said Carter was enjoying his time in France despite the playing setback. He had things he still wanted to do there and that was important in his general well-being and the rehab process.

"If we force him to do things that he might not want to do, I think that would be a negative.

"All those things are being considered because obviously this guy is exceptionally important and every stone is being turned over to make sure the right decision is being made."

Carter's absence has highlighted a problem area in the New Zealand game and there doesn't appear to be a quick-fix at the moment.

"The five-eighths position is an issue isn't it," said Henry who is unlikely to have Carter available for international rugby until the end of year tour at the earliest.

He said there wasn't the depth at 10 and 12 that other positions enjoyed in the New Zealand game.

"There is only one current player in those two positions who has had a large number of tests and that is Ma'a Nonu.

"Stephen Donald has obviously had a bit of a taste of it last year and that is great.

So I think that 10 and 12 area is where we are the skinniest at the moment."

Henry said they would monitor those positions closely during the Super 14.

"The (Super 14) five-eighths are playing reasonably well but it's very early days."

Henry said that at this stage the selectors were looking more for players outside their proven talent who were putting their hands up. They would be looking for the true form to surface in April and May when the championship got into the business end of proceedings.

The lack of depth in this key area meant they were keen to see Piri Weepu further explored as a first five-eighths with the Hurricanes, but not to the detriment of his halfback's play.

"We see him as a nine who can play 10 rather than a 10 who can play nine. He is an outstanding halfback and it would be unfortunate if he loses those skills."

Weepu's versatility was a real asset in squad situations but halfback was a "hugely competitive" position now that Brendon Leonard was back in action for the Chiefs..

As for finding backup for Nonu at second five-eighths, don't rule out a return to New Zealand by former All Black Luke McAlister.

His English club contract at Sale runs out at the end of the current season and he continues to make noises about coming home.

Henry said he had talked regularly with McAlister.

"We are hopeful that he might reconsider and look to play in New Zealand again.

"He's a 12 that can play 10 and that would add to the depth that would add to depth if he could return."

Who do you see as Graham Henry's best options to cover Dan Carter and Ma'a Nonu in the All Blacks? Post your comments below.

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