All Blacks: Carter out of Argentina test

Dan Carter in action against the Wallabies at Eden Park. Photo / Richard Robinson

Dan Carter has been ruled out of the All Blacks test against Argentina in Wellington with a calf injury.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said Carter had been training on a tight left calf all week but: "At training this morning it was apparent that he would not be able to play so we've done the sensible thing and withdrawn him from the test match.''

Aaron Cruden will now start at No10, with Beauden Barrett coming on to the reserves bench.

First-five Carter's surprise withdrawal after he was named in the team this morning is eerily similar to his shock injury in the week of the World Cup pool match against Canada in the city.

Before the Canada match in October last year he ruptured his groin during goalkicking practice, an injury which ruled him out of the rest of the World Cup.

He tweeted a picture of his left calf early this afternoon, saying: "Not having much luck in Wellington when I'm here with the ABs.''

Carter had already offered an insight into his feelings earlier in the week following his training run at Rugby League Park in Newtown, saying the ground brought back bad memories.

All Blacks:
Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (c), Victor Vito, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Andrew Hore, Charlie Faumuina, Samuel Whitelock, Liam Messam, Piri Weepu, Beauden Barrett, Ben Smith.

Argentina:
M. Rodriguez, G. Camacho, M. Bosch, S. Fernandez, H. Agulla, J.Hernandez, N.Vergallo, JMF Lobbe (c), JM Leguizamon, JF Cabello, P. Albacete, M.Carizza, J. Figallo, E. Guinazu, R. Roncero