McCaw expecting Carter to line out

NEW ZEALAND captain Richie McCaw expects Dan Carter to be alongside him when the All Blacks run out against Wales today.

Carter’s involvement at the Millennium Stadium has been uncertain all week.

The fly-half superstar, who has scored 92 points in just five Tests at Wales’ expense and needs only 16 points to overtake Andrew Mehrtens’ all-time New Zealand Test record of 967, suffered a calf muscle haematoma last weekend.

Carter limped off late in the victory over Australia at Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium after colliding with Wallabies flanker George Smith.

He has taken part in only light training this week, including at yesterday’s final session under the stadium’s closed roof, but McCaw has no fears about his Canterbury colleague.

“He’s fine,” said McCaw. “He has been out there kicking and stuff. He was always going to play as far as I have been concerned.”

New Zealand, despite boasting a 20-game unbeaten record against Wales, are taking nothing for granted in the first Test of their five-match European tour which also features appointments with Italy, England, France and the Barbarians.

The All Blacks trailed 9-6 at half-time in last year’s fixture and McCaw anticipates another fierce Welsh approach.

“There is general excitement about the game,” he added. “It’s a hell of a place to play and we are realise we are in for a big challenge.

Meanwhile, Stephen Jones has little interest in the hype and history surrounding Wales’ latest attempt to beat New Zealand.

Wales will carry plenty of baggage with them into today’s game, having lost their last 20 Tests against the All Blacks and conceded almost 700 points.

This week’s sideshow — the circus that seems to accompany every Cardiff visit by New Zealand — has revolved around Wales coach Warren Gatland’s claim the All Blacks might have lost some of their aura of invincibility.

Three defeats against world champions South Africa during this year’s Tri-Nations suggests Gatland has a point.

Jones has experienced the pain of defeat more than most at New Zealand’s hands, having failed on seven previous occasions to claim world rugby’s most prized scalp.

“It is quite easy to prepare yourself to play against the All Blacks. I’ve enjoyed all the games I have played in against New Zealand.

“They’ve always been physical, and New Zealand always try to play with width and tempo.”