The All Blacks first five-eighth, Dan Carter, is to undergo surgery on his right ankle in Christchurch tomorrow, ruling him out of rugby for up to eight weeks.
The All Blacks doctor, Deb Robinson, says Carter has been troubled by niggling pain in his ankle throughout the year, but it's now affecting his ankle flexibility and calf muscle.
She says following the surgery, Carter will be in a cast to allow the ankle joint to settle, before he can resume rugby training.
It's expected to take up to eight weeks to fully recover, ruling Carter out of the final Tri-Nations Test against Australia in Sydney next month.
But the All Blacks coach, Graham Henry, says if his rehabilitation goes to plan, Carter will be available for selection for the All Blacks end of year tour to Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.
