Dan Carter’s unjust extraction from Rugby World Cup 2011 is the fulfillment of Graham Henry’s worst nightmare.
And ours, if you’re a Kiwi or an impartial lover of the XV-man game.
Even the Ministry of Economic Development identified Carter’s absence as the greatest commercial risk for tournament organizers.
But first, let’s spare a thought for the bloke in question.
A quality guy – a brilliant player. None have trained harder and planned more thoroughly towards this particular point in time, poised on the business end of the pinnacle tournament.
But now cruelly deprived. His Rugby World Cup dream in tatters.
The offending body-part; a torn adductor longus tendon in Carter’s groin. The left side. The kicking side. The prolific world-record points scoring side.
So what does it mean for New Zealand’s first XV? A campaign by design, is now by default.
Henry never wanted to call comprehensively on Carter’s cover, Colin Slade. Slade is still in the mental residue of recovery mode from his double-jaw break suffered earlier this year.
His contribution against Canada, a minnow, was fair. His passing was erratic. So was his kicking.
Granted, Wellington’s wind-tunnel is a challenge. But Piri Weepu didn’t have any issues when he took the reins with 30 minutes remaining.
Slade’s vulnerabilities are not in his skill-sets, but his head-space. He’s struggling to find confidence and self-belief.
It is a dangerous space to live in, particularly in the do-or-die stages of the matches that matter. That pressure is compounded with the host nation’s hopes, resting squarely on his shoulders.
Yet the All Blacks selectors have put almost all of their eggs in Slade’s basket. It means that they reckon he is up for it. So Henry has to back him now more than ever.
The saving grace for Slade, and the selectors, is a relatively soft quarter-final against an average Argentina. Assuming Slade makes the starting lineup for that one.
Because he hobbled off in the closing stages against Canada.
Piri Weepu grew quickly in confidence with the 30 minutes given him. Weepu’s edge is his superior temperament and read on the game. For my part, Henry would be wise to back that.
Whoever the selectors go with in the No. 10 jersey, after Argentina our pathway towards the Grand Final will cross Australia or South Africa. Rest assured both nations will be drooling over Dan Carter’s shocking turn of fate.
Can the All Blacks still prevail? Of course they can.
If they do, when they do, it will be a resounding statement to all and sundry, that New Zealand’s first XV is not defined by any individual.
Even though until now, that individual has been the grand master, Dan Carter.
Sprigs
Guest
Amen, Warrenexpatinnz...(hide the flag if we win).
Sprigs
Guest
Yeah, what a bummer. "Kleeberger of Kanada" is a great player but we didn't see all his skills that day. He did a great header though. Two in one.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
These rules are in place for a good reason. The black jersey is a massive factor in keeping our top athletes in the New Zealand rugby competitions. If they allowed overseas based players to play for the All Blacks we would have a huge exodus of our top players. The Super 15 would suffer badly. It's a good rule and it need's to stay. players who only chase the money are not what the All Black team is all about. We want proud players not guys worrying more about the paycheck.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
All Blacks will rally and they will win this World cup because alot of people are now doubting they can. There will be no complacency. Slade was not helped at all by having a very sloppy Jimmy Cowan at 9 on the weekend. Playing Weepu at 9 he will take alot of the pressure off Slade, as Weepu can control a game from halfback better then Ellis or Cowan. Weepu should be handed the goalkicking to further take the pressure from Slade. Slade will pose questions with his running game, and if he can get his tactical kicking to a reasonable level we will be alright. Guys like Nonu Smith Dagg SBW will create plenty of oppurtunities, if our pack gets stuck in then we can still win this world cup.
rae1
Guest
Touche! And wasn;t Chris Jack? And Kees Meuws? And Marty Holah?
Bokke2011
Guest
Borefest. Unlike AU vs IRE I suppose?
Bokke2011
Guest
and neither will anyone else.
Kirky
Guest
Thanks to that idiot wayne barnes who couldn't tell the difference between a forward pass & a gridiron pass,if he refs an ABs game from here in,the ABs might as well not turn up,Carter or no Carter it won't make a difference .I reckon if he had been reffing the AB,Argentina game we wouldn't be there next week either .While I'm on the refs,Hey Aussies,How does it feel to not have Andre Watson scoring your winning try or kicking your winning penalty anymore,enjoy your sour grapes(re; Bryce Lawrence)
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Well it would appear they have to go in the deep end at some point, with more or less experience behind it. 'Not throwing them in at the deep end' seems to mean not giving them experience for when they have to play because of injuries at the RWC.
Sylvester
Guest
"Sure, McCallister returning from Europe a lesser player did reinforce the view that northern hemisphere rugby does players no favours, but in the case of both Evans and Hayman, an exception should have been made, after all class is permanent." Wasn't McAllister deemed class before heading offshore? Seems you've contradicted your own point to me.
johnny-boy
Guest
I should qualify that by saying I do like a totally unfair and unjustified dig at the Saffas. On that I'm guilty as hell - and proud of it . They deserve it for all the dirty play they participate in. Tho I do respect John Smit. Classy guy but shame about some of his teammates.
johnny-boy
Guest
And Waka Nathan and Fred Allen and Justin Marshall buuuuut what would they know.
kiwidave
Guest
Which will of course be interpreted as typical NZ arrogance...
kiwidave
Guest
I am, and I am. I can't bear the thought, he'd be worse than John Mitchell.
Chuck
Guest
Moderation on this site can be a joke at the best of times, some of the more abrasive posters like JB etc get away with absolute murder and are much worse than some of the obviously moderated posters on this site ever were / are. What is good for one poster is not necessarily good for other posters.
guinness14
Guest
Well said Emric, I think Daniel Carter is the best ever. And to Colin Slade, play your game, remember you have the best pack in the world, the best rugby players around you. Go hard, mate, you can do it.
Thurl
Guest
A bit harsh there Warren...the WB's struggle for 40 minutes against Russia but Horwell announces that they are now ready to deliver a knock out punch.....LOL
Chuck
Guest
I think you'll find it mostly non kiwis making all the hoopla re Dan being out of the Cup of a poll conducted yesterday 68% of 4,000 polled still believed the ABs are capable of winning this tournament.
warrenexpatinnz
Roar Guru
Watched the the press conference Chuck but was suprized by Steve Hansens aggressive approach, if I was a Kiwi I would be hoping like hell he wasn't the next Kiwi coach?
warrenexpatinnz
Roar Guru
Not sure Chuck, maybe the reference of "fool" was seen as a dig at KOC, who is certainly not that! I have been moderated a couple of times, more than likely because I am a Western Force Fan :) . Maybe get the Mod to send you a private email to chat?