The All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson says now is the best time for Dan Carter to have ankle surgery as having the operation today should mean he misses the least amount of international rugby.
Carter will go under the knife in Christchurch this afternoon to clean up cartilage and bone spurs in his right ankle, which have been restricting the star playmaker's movement and affecting his goal kicking ability.
The first five will miss the All Blacks final Tri-nations clash against the Wallabies in Sydney next month but Robinson says it's the right time to have the operation.
Robinson says Carter should be available for the All Blacks' end of year tour in October.
