14 Sep 2011

Injury puts Carter out of Japan match

4:52 pm on 14 September 2011

All Black first five Dan Carter has pulled out of the side's Rugby World Cup Pool A match against Japan in Hamilton on Friday, having failed to recover from a back injury.

Carter suffered a knock to the back in the opener against Tonga last Friday and team doctor Deb Robinson says while he's recovering, he was still sore during training on Wednesday and team management decided not to risk him.

He has been replaced in the starting lineup by Colin Slade.

Dr Robinson expects Carter to resume full training next week and be ready for the side's pivotal pool game against France in Auckland, on Saturday week.

McCaw first to 100 caps

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw will become the first player to win 100 international caps for New Zealand after he was named on Wednesday to lead the team on Friday.

Coach Graham Henry said McCaw was an incredibly brave, skilful and a hugely intelligent player who has the total respect of his team through the many deeds and successes he has achieved on the rugby field, and his ability to lead from the front.

In changes from the side that beat Tonga, Mils Muliaina has been recalled to the side to start at fullback, replacing Israel Dagg

Dagg, who scored two tries in the first half of the tournament opening 41-10 victory over Tonga at Eden Park last Friday, is not in the matchday 22 for the game against the Japan.

Andy Ellis starts at halfback, Conrad Smith is back at centre outside Ma'a Nonu and Cory Jane is on the right wing.

Utility back Richard Kahui, who also scored two tries and set up two others against Tonga, has been shifted to left wing, allowing Cory Jane to start the game on the right wing.

In the forwards, Adam Thomson returns from injury to start at number eight, hooker Keven Mealamu replaces Andrew Hore and lock Sam Whitelock replaces Ali Williams.

Henry says the All Blacks are under no illusions about how much of a challenge Japan will be, having watched with admiration their effort against France in their opening match.