All Blacks lose Carter for Wales clash

Updated November 24, 2012 10:50:58

New Zealand fly half Dan Carter will miss Saturday's Test against Wales at the Millennium Stadium and has been replaced by Aaron Cruden after failing to recover from a leg injury.

"Gutted not to be playing with these boys in this stadium tomorrow," Carter said on his official Twitter account.

Carter, the leading points-scorer in Test rugby, pulled up in training on Thursday and looked to be in discomfort.

Cruden, 23, has won 18 caps.

He was called into the All Blacks squad during last year's World Cup as replacement for the injured Carter, who damaged his groin during training.

Cruden went on to start the semi-final victory over Australia, and then started the final against France before he was forced off just before half-time with a knee problem.

"It is disappointing for Dan, but the next guy will come in and we will try to give him some good ball to operate with," captain Richie McCaw told the All Blacks website.

"Aaron has played a few Tests, some pretty big games.

"Dan is hard to replace, but we've got to get on and have belief in the next guys," he added.

Carter, 30, produced a virtuoso display to lead the All Blacks to a 51-22 demolition of Scotland in their opening European tour match before being rested for last week's 42-10 victory over Italy.

New Zealand has not lost to Wales since 1953 and is unbeaten for 19 Tests going back to last year's loss to Australia in Brisbane.

Reuters

Tags: rugby-union, sport, wales, new-zealand

First posted November 24, 2012 10:50:58

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Carter ruled out of Springboks clash

Updated September 09, 2012 16:22:00

Dan Carter will not be considered for New Zealand's Rugby Championship match with South Africa next weekend to allow him to recover completely from a calf strain.

Carter had been struggling with the injury as the All Blacks prepared for their match against Argentina in Wellington and was initially named in the starting XV.

He was later withdrawn from the team that defeated Argentina 21-5 on Saturday.

"We have made the decision he won't be playing next week," All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said.

"The type of treatment he needs, it will take the pressure right off and give the calf the opportunity to come right.

"We're trying to, I guess, take him off his legs so he can concentrate on getting it better rather than trying to get it better to play."

Hansen says the early decision on Carter's availability for next week had been made to give clarity to the team, and young five-eighths Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett, as they prepare for the Springboks in Dunedin.

The 30-year-old Carter is expected to travel with the All Blacks for their final two matches in the Championship against the Pumas in La Plata on September 29 and against the Springboks in Soweto on October 6.

Reuters

Tags: rugby-union, sport, new-zealand

First posted September 09, 2012 16:22:00

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Carter to miss Pumas Test

Updated September 07, 2012 18:53:53

New Zealand will be without Dan Carter for Saturday's Rugby Championship match with Argentina at Wellington.

Carter has withdrawn due to a calf complaint and will be replaced at five-eighth by Aaron Cruden.

Despite carrying the injury through the week, the world's premier number 10 expected to be able to play through the injury until testing it today.

"At training this morning it was apparent that he would not be able to play so we have done the sensible thing and withdrawn him from the Test match," All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said.

The All Blacks lie on top of the standings after the first two rounds of matches after beating Australia home and away.

As well as Carter's absence, with Sonny Bill Williams also taking a sabbatical from All Blacks duty, the home side's backline will be much different from the one that beat the Wallabies 22-0 at Eden Park last month.

Taranaki fly half Beauden Barrett, who made his debut against Ireland this year, comes onto the reserve bench.

Argentina comes into the match boosted after gaining its first point with a 16-16 draw at home to South Africa.

Pumas coach Santiago Phelan has finalised his squad when he named his reserves bench on Thursday.

Phelan named his starting XV on Tuesday with five-eighth Juan Martin Hernandez and openside flanker Juan Manuel Leguizamon returning to the side after injuries.

New Zealand squad:

Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Victor Vito, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock

Reserves: Ben Smith, Beauden Barrett, Piri Weepu, Liam Messam, Sam Whitelock, Charlie Faumuina, Andrew Hore

Argentina squad:

Martin Rodriguez, Gonzalo Camacho, Marcelo Bosch, Santiago Fernandez, Horacio Agulla, Juan Martin Hernandez, Nicolas Vergallo, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (captain), Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Julio Farias Cabello, Patricio Albacete, Manuel Carizza, Juan Figallo, Eusebio Guinazu, Rodrigo Roncero

Reserves: Agustin Creevy, Marcos Ayerza, Juan Pablo Orlandi, Leonardo Senatore, Thomas Leonardi, Martin Landajo, Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino

Tags: sport, rugby-union, new-zealand

First posted September 06, 2012 11:00:34

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Carter out of Ireland Test

Updated June 21, 2012 10:39:01

All Blacks fly half Dan Carter was ruled out of Saturday's third and final Test against Ireland with a hamstring strain, as coach Steve Hansen made six changes to the starting XV that was pushed to the brink last week in Christchurch.

Carter slotted an 80th-minute drop goal for the All Blacks to give them a 22-19 win on Saturday, which sealed victory in the three-Test series with a match to spare.

"Dan pulled up with a sore hamstring after training on Tuesday," Hansen said.

"On assessment, he has suffered a mild hamstring strain to his right leg which has unfortunately ruled him out of this weekend's Test.

"He will undergo further assessment over the next few days to determine when he will be fit to return to rugby."

Carter will be replaced by Aaron Cruden in the starting XV in Hamilton on Saturday and the uncapped Beauden Barrett is named on the reserves bench.

Crusaders lock Luke Romano was named to start in his first Test. He replaces Brodie Retallick, who has dropped to the bench.

Veteran lock Ali Williams had already been ruled out of the match and had to undergo knee surgery earlier this week.

Hansen was also forced to re-jig his loose forward combination after number eight Kieran Read was ruled out with concussion following a head knock in the match at Rugby League Park, which was played in frigid conditions.

Captain Richie McCaw will move from openside flanker to number eight with Sam Cane, who replaced Read at half-time in Christchurch, making his first start. Liam Messam will return to the side as blindside flanker.

Messam was not originally in the squad but was brought in as cover for the injured Victor Vito. Adam Thomson moves to the bench after he took several knocks to his head and face last Saturday, which aggravated his broken nose.

Hansen also changed both starting wingers with Julian Savea and Zac Guildford dropping out of the matchday 22 and being replaced by Hosea Gear and Ben Smith respectively.

Meanwhile, Paddy Wallace, who only arrived in New Zealand this week, has been named in Ireland's starting line-up.

Wallace was named to partner captain Brian O'Driscoll in the centres after he was a late call-up to the side following Gordon D'Arcy's injury in the second Test.

Keith Earls, who played inside centre in the first test at Eden Park but was ruled out of the second in Christchurch with a chest injury, has returned to the starting XV.

Earls moves onto the left wing, with Andrew Trimble demoted to the bench.

Peter O'Mahony, who came off the bench in Christchurch, will replace number eight Jamie Heaslip, who was ruled out earlier this week with a broken finger.

Chris Henry has come into the matchday squad to replace O'Mahony on the bench.

New Zealand squad: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Hosea Gear, Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith, Richie McCaw (captain), Sam Cane, Liam Messam, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock

Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Ben Franks, Brodie Retallick, Adam Thomson, Piri Weepu, Beauden Barrett, Tamati Ellison

Ireland squad: Rob Kearney, Fergus McFadden, Brian O'Driscoll (captain), Paddy Wallace, Keith Earls, Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray, Peter O'Mahony, Sean O'Brien, Kevin McLaughlin, Donnacha Ryan, Dan Tuohy, Mike Ross, Rory Best, Cian Healy
Reserves: Sean Cronin, Declan Fitzpatrick, Donncha O'Callaghan, Chris Henry, Eoin Reddan, Ronan O'Gara, Andrew Trimble

Reuters

Tags: rugby-union, sport, new-zealand

First posted June 21, 2012 09:08:00

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Byrnes fined over Carter comments

Updated May 02, 2012 11:17:00

Melbourne Rebels lock Adam Byrnes has been fined $7,500 by SANZAR for his "unwarranted and serious verbal attack" on New South Wales centre Tom Carter.

Byrnes, who has not played since round two after injuring his elbow, was found by judicial officer Nigel Hampton to have committed an "act of misconduct" for his comments published in Sydney's Daily Telegraph newspaper in March.

Hampton found that the interview contained "an unwarranted and serious verbal attack by Mr Byrnes on the integrity and good character of another player (Waratahs player Tom Carter), an attack such as well might impair public confidence in that other player's character and integrity".

Byrnes' comments came after Carter alleged he was eye-gouged by the Russia international during the match.

Byrnes was initially found guilty but successfully appealed the 10-week ban, with the SANZAR judiciary admitting there was no conclusive evidence.

He said Carter's actions were a "disgrace".

"I give him credit as a player, but to carry on in terms of bringing another player down and potentially ruining their livelihood, it is a very poor quality to have as a human being," Byrnes said in the interview of Carter.

"To be falsely accused with such a slanderous tag as Tom has said is extremely poor form."

Hampton said he gave credit to Byrnes' long unblemished career, but found there was no remorse shown or apology issued.

He was ordered to pay a fine of $5,000 and $2,500 in costs.

Byrnes has resumed full training and is hopeful of making his return to playing with the Rebels next week.

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, sport, melbourne-3000

First posted May 02, 2012 11:17:00

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Carter busting to make Crusaders return

Updated March 23, 2012 13:36:39

Dan Carter says he is excited to be making his long-awaited comeback from injury in the Crusaders' clash with the Cheetahs in Christchurch on Saturday.

Carter has not played since last September, having sustained a groin injury during an All Blacks' training session at the World Cup that saw him miss the tournament's finals stage.

He has been named on the reserves bench to meet the Cheetahs with Tom Taylor starting at fly half in place of Tyler Bleyendaal.

Carter is expected to come on early in the second half, as the Crusaders make their first appearance at the new Christchurch Stadium.

It will be their first Super Rugby appearance in Christchurch since the devastating earthquakes that hit the city in February, 2011.

"I've experienced a lot of things in my life and this is right up there in terms of excitement for a couple of reasons," Carter said.

"The first one is that I'm coming back from an injury, which was pretty devastating so the chance to play again is very exciting.

"Secondly, there's no better way than doing it in front of our home people and in a new stadium."

The Crusaders have made four changes to their starting XV to face the Cheetahs.

Ryan Crotty will play at inside centre, outside Taylor, while Luke Whitelock will replace eldest brother George (Achilles) at blindside flanker in what will be his run-on debut.

Another of the Whitelocks, All Blacks lock Sam, has been named in the second row in place of Tom Donnelly.

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, new-zealand

First posted March 23, 2012 13:24:09

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Carter returns to Crusaders' starting side

Updated March 29, 2012 09:47:17

Dan Carter will get his first start of the Super Rugby season after being named in the Crusaders XV against the Lions in Johannesburg this weekend.

Carter was in the reserves in the last match against the Cheetahs in Christchurch and came on as a replacement in the second half.

It was his first match back since suffering a groin injury during the Rugby World Cup last year.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made four changes to the team that beat the Cheetahs.

George Whitelock and Wyatt Crockett both return to the starting 15 this week, with Luke Whitelock and Ben Franks moving to the bench.

Crusaders:

Israel Dagg, Sean Maitland, Robbie Freuan, Tom Taylor, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crocket. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Ben Franks, Tom Donnelly, Luke Whitelock, Willi Heinz, Ryan Crotty, Tom Marshall.

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, new-zealand

First posted March 29, 2012 09:47:17

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All Blacks ace Carter has groin op

Updated October 14, 2011 09:44:12

All Blacks star Dan Carter has undergone surgery following his World Cup-ending groin injury, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) said in a statement on Friday.

In an NZRU statement Carter said the surgery, which he had in Melbourne on Monday before returning to Auckland on Wednesday to repair his left adductor longus tendon had "gone well".

The fly half, whom many New Zealand fans considered central to their team's hopes of winning the World Cup, was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after suffering his injury during kicking practice on the eve of the All Blacks' final pool match against Canada.

Test rugby's all-time leading points scorer, with 1,250 from 85 matches, the 29-year-old Carter will now embark on a rehabilitation programme the NZRU said would "involve re-establishing normal walking with strengthening exercises, with a view to progressing onto running and kicking over an eight-week period".

The NZRU statement added Carter hoped to be "fully recovered" by about the 12-week mark.

New Zealand's World Cup campaign has been beset by injury problems, with Carter's stand-in, Colin Slade, also being ruled out of the tournament with a groin problem suffered during its quarter-final win over Argentina.

That has left third-choice Aaron Cruden in the pivotal fly half position for this weekend's semi-final against Australia at Eden Park.

But the good news for New Zealand fans desperate to see the team win only its second World Cup title since the country staged the inaugural 1987 edition was that captain and Richie McCaw was named in coach Graham Henry's team to play the Wallabies here on Friday, even though the inspirational flanker has been nursing a longstanding foot problem throughout the tournament.

Carter, speaking earlier this month, before his operation but after his dreams of World Cup glory were dashed following his role in New Zealand's failed campaigns of 2003 and 2007, insisted he had no history of groin trouble.

"After kicking a ball it just popped and I went down on the ground in agony," Carter, widely acclaimed as the world's best fly half, said.

"Just the pure randomness of the injury and for it to come out of the blue, my body was really good leading into the week and it was good all week and I haven't had any groin or abductor or hip problems in the past.

"So for something like this to happen is really tough. I can't put my finger on why and I'm constantly asking why did this happen and I don't have the answer."

AFP

Tags: rugby-union-world-cup, rugby-union, sport, new-zealand

First posted October 14, 2011 09:44:12

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Media Call: Tom Carter

Published:Thursday, June 16, 2011 2:00 AESTExpires:Wednesday, September 14, 2011 2:00 AEST

New South Wales centre Tom Carter says the Waratahs are not looking ahead to a possible finals berth in the lead-up to Saturday night's match with the Brumbies at the Olympic stadium.

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia

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Interview: Tom Carter

Published:Saturday, June 11, 2011 10:18 AESTExpires:Friday, September 9, 2011 10:18 AEST

Waratahs centre Tom Carter told Grandstand he is lucky to be part of such a good backline after scoring a hat-trick of tries in a 33-7 victory over the Highlanders at the SFS.

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Carter sparks Crusaders to victory

Posted May 21, 2011 19:55:00

Dan Carter celebrated his new contract by kicking 20 points as the Crusaders stifled the Chiefs 25-19 in their Super Rugby clash in Napier.

The fly half, who this week signed a deal to stay with the All Blacks and Crusaders after this year's World Cup, notched up five penalties, a conversion of Luke Romano's try and a cheeky drop goal as well as the best line break of the game.

The injury-hit Crusaders were upset by the Cheetahs last time out on a bruising tour of South Africa but moved to within six points of the table-topping Queensland Reds, who they meet next weekend in Brisbane.

The Chiefs were kept in the game by Stephen Donald's four penalties but only threatened the Crusaders line when it was too late, flanker Liam Messam forcing his way over for a consolation try.

The first 40 minutes were a tight, tense affair with Carter and his sometimes All Blacks understudy Donald slotting two penalties apiece, Carter's second tying the score up at 6-6 with the last kick of the half.

Lock Romano broke the deadlock with a rampaging run soon after the break, coming into the Crusaders back line at an angle and crashing through a couple of Chiefs' tacklers to touch down.

Carter added the conversion and another penalty minutes later to give the Crusaders a 10-point lead which they never looked like relinquishing.

"A few of us were running on empty in that first half," Crusaders skipper Richie McCaw said.

"We knew we had to put them under pressure straight after half-time and we got pressure in the first 10 minutes and got the points.

"From there it felt like we were in control."

The Chiefs lacked the invention to breach the Crusaders defence despite a backline sprinkled with All Blacks, and Carter punished them with his boot every time they infringed.

Donald at least converted Messam's try with the last kick of the game to ensure they got a bonus point, but their chances of making the play-offs are slim at best.

"We controlled a lot of the pill in the first half but in the second half we gave a way a few soft penalties and the score got away with us," skipper Mils Muliaina said.

"When the Crusaders have got their tails up it's difficult to get them down."

Crusaders: 25 (L Romano try; D Carter conversion, 5 penalties, drop goal)

Chiefs: 19 (L Messam try; S Donald conversion, 4 penalties)

-Reuters

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, new-zealand

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Carter offloads against Chiefs

Published:Saturday, May 21, 2011 8:03 AEST

Dan Carter of the Crusaders passes to team-mate Jonathan Poff as he is tackled by Sona Taumalolo of the Chiefs during the round 14 Super Rugby match between the Crusaders and the Chiefs at McLean Park on May 21, 2011.

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Carter to stay in NZ after World Cup

Updated May 18, 2011 11:29:00

All Blacks fly half Daniel Carter has signed a new four-year contract to continue playing for the All Blacks until 2015, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) said on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old, who has played 79 Tests and scored 1,188 points, said he had turned down lucrative offers to move abroad after this year's World Cup, which is being held in New Zealand.

"This has been an incredibly important decision for me personally and I have received some significant offers to play overseas which were both flattering and tempting," Carter said.

"But in the end the overriding factor for me was the All Blacks jersey.

"The more I thought of potentially playing overseas and not being able to represent my country and wear that black jersey was pretty challenging - it's a big reason for me staying.

"I realise that it is not a given to be playing for the All Blacks and there a number of young guys coming through who in the next couple of years will be in their prime so that's a wee challenge that I'm looking forward to."

Carter's decision is a major long-term boost for the NZRU which, fearing a wholesale exodus after the World Cup, asked its players to determine their future beyond 2011 before the September 9 to October 23 tournament.

The NZRU had singled out Carter as one of its top three contract renewal targets along with captain Richie McCaw and inside centre Sonny Bill Williams.

At least 20 other All Blacks have already committed to the NZRU beyond the World Cup with hooker Keven Mealamu, prop Tony Woodcock, lock Ali Williams, flanker Jerome Kaino and scrum half Jimmy Cowan heading a core group of grizzled veterans with the remainder mostly in their early to mid-20s.

Room for movement

New Zealand has a policy of selecting only players contracted to the NZRU for the All Blacks, effectively ruling out those playing abroad.

Carter's new contract will, however, allow him to take a sabbatical similar to the one he undertook in 2008 with French club Perpignan which was cut short by an Achilles' tendon injury.

"We believe that the contract is a reflection of the high standing that Dan has in the game both here and overseas," NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said.

"We have been very flexible in our approach, which again shows how important we think Dan is to the All Blacks and New Zealand rugby.

"As an example, we have built in options for Dan to take an extended break from the game if he so wishes - whether that's to take a break from rugby or play overseas and he will discuss that with us at the right time."

One of the biggest clues to Carter staying in New Zealand was the recent decision of fly half Colin Slade, a potential Test understudy for Carter, to re-sign with the Otago Highlanders for another two years.

Slade had the option to return to the Canterbury Crusaders next year after joining the Highlanders this year, though he has spent the majority of the Super rugby season on the sidelines after breaking his jaw twice.

Carter, who will continue to play for the Crusaders until 2015, is the highest points scorer in Super rugby and second on the all time list for points scored in Test matches, just behind England fly half Jonny Wilkinson.

- Reuters

Tags: sport, rugby-union, rugby-world-cup, super-14, new-zealand

First posted May 18, 2011 11:09:00

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