Carter ruled out of Rugby World Cup

RICHARD KNOWLER AND NEIL REID

LATEST: Dan Carter is out of the World Cup.

All Blacks first five-eighth Carter has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament because of the groin injury he suffered at yesterday's captains run and Colin Slade will now be expected to wear the No 10 jersey for the crucial play-off matches.

Carter has torn the adductor longus tendon in his left groin. His place in the squad has been taken by Manawatu's Aaron Cruden who was yesterday contacted by manager Darren Shand.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said Stephen Donald was not considered as a replacement.

Henry said he spent time with Carter after the scan revealed the extent of the injury and said the player was coping "remarkably well'' with the bad news.

"I just feel huge sympathy for him and his situation,'' Henry, who has had the shine taken off his 100th test in charge of the All Blacks today, added.

He urged the media to show sensitivity but added the Cantabrian has a "huge strength of character''.

"It is devastating for Daniel. He has been probably one of the greatest players produced by this country and this was going to be his pinnacle. He was focusing on this tournament for the last couple of years and it is devastating he cannot be involved in that.''

He added it was a "tragic situation for a highly talented young sportsman'' and he felt "very sad'' for Carter.

"This was his scene really. A World Cup in New Zealand and it was going to be his big, big, big occasion if you like.''

The TAB reacted to the news, with the All Blacks still hot favourites to win the tournament, easing out to $1.60, while South Africa dropped to $6 and Australia $7.

Team doctor Deb Robinson said there was no reason for the injury or any indication this groin problem was flaring up. It just appears to be a terrible stroke of misfortune.

"He had no symptoms on the day. It just happened totally out of the blue. There is just no reason.''

This is a massive blow for All Blacks fans who are hoping their side will lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time since 1987.

Carter will consult a specialist in Auckland tomorrow and surgery could be an option.

And what makes this news even more devastating for Carter, and New Zealand fans, is that he has rarely been sidelined by this sort of injury.

The world's premier playmaker appeared to be in considerable pain when he suffered the injury during a kicking drill at the end of the light training run.

Carter who also played in the 2003 and 2007 tournaments will be gutted to have his world title dreams destroyed by such an innocuous incident.

It is not just his calm demeanour under pressure that will be missed by the All Blacks. He is a vital member of the team's leadership group and has the ability to snap open games with his magnificent skills - both with the ball in hand or when kicking for field position or for goal.

Henry added it was now important for his squad to recover from the shock news and not to lose focus for the remainder of the tournament.

"We need to move on as well. We have been dealt the cards we have got and it is very important that we play them superbly. The group, obviously, is shattered with this news but also are also a resilient group of people who are focused on doing this job right.

"It is obviously a tragedy but we just need to show strength in this situation.''

Henry is now likely to keep selecting Slade in the sudden death matches but can also ponder using Piri Weepu at first-five - as well as Slade.

Slade will start this afternoon's match against Canada at the Cake Tin.

Adding to the All Blacks' injury concerns is that captain Richie McCaw withdrew yesterday because of ongoing concerns about his right foot injury.

Veteran Carter, who has played 85 tests, was to captain the team this afternoon in McCaw's absence. Instead that honour has been flicked to Andrew Hore.

Openside flanker McCaw has been replaced by Victor Vito but the skipper is adamant he will be fit for next weekend's quarterfinal.

When told of the news last night, a stunned All Blacks great Waka Nathan said: "Christ, we've got problems ... it's bloody terrible.

"He [Carter] would be a huge loss. But injuries are one of those things."

Former All Blacks captain Taine Randell said Carter's loss would have a massive impact on the side's chances of success.

A veteran of the 1999 world cup campaign, Randell said Carter's kicking skills and ability to handle the pressure of test rugby would be near to impossible to replace.

"For us, he is crucial ... Carter is probably the most important guy," Randell said.

"I would still back the All Blacks but certainly not with the same confidence."

Both Nathan and Randell said they had concerns about Carter's back-up, Canterbury's Colin Slade.

Nathan said: "I'm not that much of a fan for Slade.

"I would maybe even change [Piri] Weepu into first five.""The drop in level to how Colin Slade operates is so big," said Randell. "That is why he [Carter] is so important to us."

- Fairfax NZ

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