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Graham Henry after news of Dan Carter's RWC exit is announced - Source: Getty Images
Dan Carter goes down in pain after being injured in training - Source: Getty Images -
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All Blacks coach Graham Henry says he feels "devastated" for Dan Carter.
New Zealand's worst fears have been realised with playmaker Carter ruled out of the remainder of the Rugby World Cup with a serious groin injury.
The star All Blacks first five-eighth limped off during kicking practice at the Captain's Run training session at Rugby League Park in Wellington late yesterday afternoon.
He was taking one last kick from the 22-metre line when he
collapsed in agony.
A scan has revealed the 85-test 29-year-old has torn an adductor
longus tendon in his left groin.
Team doctor Deb Robinson delivered the devastating news to the waiting media at the team's hotel in Wellington.
"The scan confirmed our worst fears, that the tendon has torn, which means he is out of the tournament," she said.
Robinson said Carter would see a specialist early next week to
determine the next course of treatment for him, with surgery a
possibility.
A solemn Graham Henry said: "We are obviously devastated for
Daniel. He has worked so hard to be at a peak for the Rugby World
Cup. We will rally around him and pull together as a team."
"He's been a world class player for a long time, probably one of the greatest players ever produced by this country. This was going to be his pinnacle, the Rugby World Cup. It's devastating that he can't be involved in that.
"It's a tragic situation for a highly talented young sportsman. This was his scene a World Cup in New Zealand. It was going to be his big occasion.
"We've been dealt the cards we've got. That's the goal, that we
play the cards that we've got and do our best with those. The group
is obviously shattered at this news but also a resilient group of
people that are focused on doing this job right."
Carter's father Neville says he is devastated that his son is
injured and out of the World Cup, but it will provide an
opportunity for another young player.
He is sure Carter will support the team all the way despite not
being able to play, and is confident the All Blacks will still win
the Rugby World Cup, even if they lose Richie McCaw as well.
As allowed by RWC tournament rules, New Zealand have immediately
requested to have Carter replaced by Manawatu and Chiefs playmaker
Aaron Cruden, but a range of IRB protocols will need to be
navigated first.
Tournament directors will need to assess Carter themselves and sign-off on his injury as legitimate, before allowing Cruden to come into the 32-man squad following a 48-hour stand-down period.
Cruden said news of Carter's injury was "really gutting".
"I really feel for him, especially because he's so influential in the team and because his last World Cup was cut short by injury as well," he told ONE News.
The public reacted with shock, and in some cases anger to the realisation that Colin Slade is now the number one first five. Radio Sport's talkback lines were full, with one caller dubbing it 'Black Sunday'.
Gabby_Logan on Twitter said: "So sad for Dan Carter. To be so brilliant and have this moment snatched away is just brutal. World Cup blown open now?"
tom_nurton said: "Dan Carter being out for the rest of the World Cup is a huge blow for the All Blacks! Could change the outcome of the World Cup!"
Carter was due to lead the side against Canada this afternoon, but hooker Andrew Hore will now take over the reins.
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Can the All Blacks still win the Rugby World Cup without Dan Carter? Have your say on the messageboard below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentShalvi said on 2011-10-03 @ 19:27 NZDT: Report abusive post
I feel really sorry for Dan Carter but the All Blacks are a really strong team and they will surely get over this and win the RWC. It's an absolute disappointment that D.C is out of the whole tournament and that this was his dream to play in the RWC and make the All Blacks win but now those dreams have been shattered, unfortunately. But the All Blacks are really strong and they will definitely win the 2011 RWC!! Go the All Blacks and get well soon D.C!! :)
Harlow said on 2011-10-03 @ 13:16 NZDT: Report abusive post
Sorry sight to see Dan's competition over. However Dan would be first to admit that one person does not win the world cup. It is now up to the selectors to give Cruden some game time against Argentina. Cruden is a different 1st five to the others. Crudens defece is attack. His goal kicking too is the best including Carter. I dont see what all the fuss is about.
stojo01 said on 2011-10-03 @ 00:39 NZDT: Report abusive post
When you have a great in a position in a team the whole team pattern gets thrown out when they retire or get injured. All the other players need to stand up and own their position to fill the void. Look at Kainos performance and how he has grown since McGaw wasn't there and really hasn't been the running player he usually is all year. The halfbacks passing game needs to be a whole lot better than Cowans for ABs to get past qtrs and semis
raukawa tane said on 2011-10-02 @ 20:30 NZDT: Report abusive post
Stay Positive!! - based on current form, we can easily beat Argentina or the ponderous, disorganised 6-nation teams; so we merely have to win one critical game (v SA or Australia) without Dan. We've got lots of `gamebreakers'; only advice though, play someone who can kick goals! Kia kaha AB's
Croosader said on 2011-10-02 @ 18:55 NZDT: Report abusive post
Not too many years ago an All Black flanker retired and all of NZ despaired that the replacement would never measure up to the departing players high standards, Josh Kronfeld commented at the time that Richie McCaw was not ready for the step up to Test Rugby... One day DC will retire and a replacement will be required... Colin Slade may not be the equivalent of DC yet but is undoubtedly the next in line and deserves his chance....