The All Black star Dan Carter's been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup after suffering a serious groin injury.
A scan has revealed the 29-year-old, 85-Test first five eighths has torn the adductor longus tendon in his left groin.
He pulled up during kicking practice at yesterday's captain's run at Wellington Stadium after being named as skipper for the first time, with Richie McCaw missing the final pool game against Canada with his ongoing foot niggle.
All Blacks Doctor Deb Robinson says it's an injury that takes 10 to 12 weeks to heal.
Under the tournament rules, the All Blacks will now seek approval to bring in a new player, with Manawatu's Aaron Cruden to be called into the All Blacks squad.
Dr Robinson says Carter will see a specialist early next week to determine the next course of treatment for him, with surgery a possibility.
Carter's no stranger to serious injury - in late January 2009 he ruptured his achilles tendon while playing for French club Perpignan on a six-month sabbatical.
But he recovered more quickly than expected and turned out for Canterbury before playing for New Zealand again in August that year.
Carter tweaked his back ahead of the All Blacks' second World Cup match and sat out the Japan pool game in Hamilton.
