Blackadder rues Dan’s departure

THE All Blacks need to forge ahead with the Rugby World Cup without their superstar out half Dan Carter, former All Blacks captain Todd Blackadder believes.

A scan revealed the 85-test All Blacks vice-captain had torn the adductor longus tendon in his left groin.

He suffered the injury during kicking practice at the captain’s run training session in Wellington on Saturday.

All Black doctor Deb Robinson said: “The scan confirmed our worst fears that the tendon has torn, which means he is out of the tournament.”

Carter has been replaced by Manawatu’s Aaron Cruden while Colin Slade will now be the first choice No 10.

Blackadder, who is Carter’s coach at the Crusaders, said the 29-year-old would be absolutely devastated not to be able to participate in the tournament.

“It’s bloody awful really. I feel really bad for Dan. I know that he was playing really well and looking forward to this opportunity and everyone will be disappointed for him but no one will be more disappointed than him, I’m sure,” he said. “But he’s a Cantabrian and he’s mentally tough and he’ll do everything he can to get his body right and come back.”

However, Blackadder said the All Blacks have more than enough depth and talent to win the Webb Ellis Cup without Carter, and Slade and Cruden are excellent players.

“This is going to sound really terrible and uncaring but they’ve just got to move on. I think there’s no point in looking back now. Dan Carter is world class but they no longer have him in the team so they’ve got to restore all their faith and belief into Colin Slade and Aaron Cruden.

“It’s such a big blow but for the sake of this team and this country we’ve just got to forge ahead anyway.”

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said Stephen Donald was not considered as a replacement.