All Blacks with decision to make at fly-half

New Zealand were this week handed the least welcome news possible, when it was revealed that their talismanic fly-half Dan Carter will most likely be forced to sit out their next Pool A encounter against Japan at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton in September 18th. Having made 84 appearances for the World Cup hosts in his eight year international career whilst scoring a record-breaking 1,238 points in doing so, there can be no doubts over his importance to the All Blacks side.

Team doctor Deb Robinson said: "He [Carter] pulled up sore at an indoor training session this morning so we have made the decision not to risk him, and we will aim to have him back fully training next week in preparation for the France Test."

With Graham Henry having felt that Carter had recovered sufficiently – from what he believed to be no more than a stiff back – to be included in his starting XV for Thursday's match, the fact that his team will have to take to the field with the Highlanders No. 10 Colin Slade in the role of midfield play-maker. The fact that Slade will only be making his seventh appearance in an All Black shirt shouldn't be too great a concern given the quality of the opposition they will be coming up against this week, but should this niggling knock draw itself out into a prolonged injury saga, then doubts will understandably be cast over their World Cup winning credentials. Those looking at the rugby union betting odds should remember this.

New Zealand's exit at the quarter final stage of the 2007 World Cup coincided with Carter's absence from their line-up against France that round, but Henry would be foolish to field Carter if there is any risk of aggravating the injury and ruling him out of the knock-out stages. The Rugby Union World Cup betting indicates the side can go all the way, but they will need their top players fit.

Henry must also make the decision whether to go with the exciting young Israel Dagg – whose two tries against Tonga in the tournament opener helped get New Zealand on their way – or the more experienced Mils Muliaina at full-back. Competition for places is certainly a welcome issue in any World Cup squad, but with 98 caps to his name to date, Muliaina would be bitterly disappointed to fall just short of his century landmark.