All Black selector Grant Fox says the misfiring Crusaders have been hiding the real Dan Carter.
Fox, speaking on TV3's Paul Henry, gave predictable backing to Carter and his fellow All Blacks legend Richie McCaw in this World Cup year.
"(Carter) has been in a struggling team which hasn't helped," said Fox, when asked about Carter's form.
"Dan has had a tough couple of years, struggling with his body.
He said doubts about McCaw were hardly new.
"This time last year there was the same sentiment...he was (later) nominated for world player of the year," said Fox.
"For the last three years people have been asking the question and each year he keeps proving them wrong."
Fox believes Charles Piutau, who will head to Ireland next year, would return to re-establish a test career.
"It is sad from our point of view...he had the chance to cement a place in the All Blacks for years to come."
Fox said players were faced with enormous decisions involving large contract offers from overseas often made by people "playing with rugby teams".
"We have to respect (the players') choices," Fox said.