Carter out of Wales encounter

Seems that once again Dan Carter has a bit of an injury concern leading into tomorrow's game against Wales. He has been ruled out of the test match with an Achilles strain that he picked up at the end of a training session on Thursday.

Now for those of us who are fans of his, I will point out that this isn't the same Achilles he tore during his sabbatical to French club Perpignan in 2009, which later required surgery. However it does bring into question his durability as this year has been clouded with several niggles on the injury front.

Earlier in the year in June, prior to the third test against Ireland he had a hamstring strain and then in September a calf strain saw him sidelined for 2 weeks subsequently missing test matches against South Africa in Dunedin and Argentina in Wellington.

The media has been quick to make concerns about wether he has longevity in the game or wether the niggles and strains are the signs that his test career could well be winding down. It was clear against Scotland that he clearly still has the ability, skills and flair to be considered the best in the game, guess the main question now is, can his body maintain the rigors of test match rugby.

Aaron Cruden will don the number 10 jersey for the test match while Beauden Barrett has passed a fitness test on his injured ribs and will be on the bench. It will be another good opportunity for Cruden to make a push for regular game time rather than as injury cover for Dan and even get Barrett some continued minutes of the bench.

I am still picking an All Blacks victory but always enjoy the fight that Wales put up at home. Even after their 2 last disappointing games I don't for one second think they won't bring their A game against our boys.

Alarm is set and ready. Countdown till test match is well under way.

Enjoy the game