Changes won't stop All Blacks attack - Carter

Daniel Carter insisted the changes to the New Zealand line-up for tomorrow’s World Cup clash against Canada will have no effect on the All Blacks’ thrilling, attacking gameplan.

As an exciting 21-year-old, seemingly unencumbered by the pressures of Test match rugby or the expectation placed on an All Black, Carter revels in the running rugby New Zealand have produced this season.

He turned in a standout display against Italy last week, capped by his fourth Test try and highlighted by a daring solo break from his own five-metre line.

Fed the ball by Joe Rokocoko, he stepped inside and ghosted past four Azzurri defenders before setting up Doug Howlett for the score.

It was a dashing 95-metre counter-attack from the All Blacks and Carter revealed it was just an example of the mindset encouraged by the New Zealand management, no matter who is on the field.

Howlett and Rokocoko have been replaced as the wingers in the starting XV by Mils Muliaina and Caleb Ralph while Leon MacDonald slots into full-back for his first start of the year.

“I think we have strengths all over the field and it’s just a matter of giving the guys the opportunity and that’s what we try and do,” said Carter.

“No matter where you are on the field, just have a look at the defence and if it’s on, have a go.

“We look to open things up whenever we can and we are pretty dangerous at times.

“It’s entirely up to you and if the opportunity is there you definitely take it. If it comes off, it’s well worth it. It’s definitely worth the go.”

Carter, who made his debut in June, scoring a try in the All Blacks’ 55-3 victory over Wales, will assume the kicking duties for the game.

Carlos Spencer is nursing a bruised hip and bruised ego after missing three of his four efforts against Italy, but the All Blacks management insist the change is simply to ensure all the bases are covered for the business end of the tournament.

Carter will link up in an inexperienced midfield with Ma’a Nonu, the replacement for the injured Tana Umaga who is excited at the prospect of two 21-year-olds teaming up together.

“Daniel is a good player in his own right and working alongside him is pretty much awesome,” said Nonu.

The Canadians will know more about the All Blacks than vice-versa, particularly after their coach David Clark made 14 changes from the team that lost to Wales.

Clark has his eye firmly on Canada’s next game, against Italy, and has already conceded his side cannot pull off a shock victory.

NEW ZEALAND: L MacDonald; M Muliaina, M Nonu, D Carter, C Ralph,; C Spencer, S Devine; C Hoeft, M Hammett, K Meeuws, B Thorn, C Jack, R Thorne (capt), M Holah, R So’oialo.

Replacements: C Flynn, D Hewett, R McCaw, D Braid, B Kelleher, D Howlett, B Blair.

CANADA: Q Fyffe; M King, J Cannon, M di Girolamo, S Fauth; J Barker, E Fairhurst; K Tkachuk, A Abram, G Cooke, J Cudmore, E Knaggs, R Banks (capt), J Douglas, J Reid.

Replacements: M Lawson, R Snow, A van Staveren, C Yukes, M Williams, R Smith, N Witkowski.