Richie McCaw will become the first All Black to play 100 tests in the World Cup match against Japan in Hamilton tomorrow but Dan Carter won't be beside him after dropping out with a back strain yesterday.
Carter was hurt in the tournament-opening 41-10 win over Tonga last Friday, but was retained by coach Graham Henry in a strong side containing no surprises. Within hours, Carter pulled up sore in training, and the New Zealand management decided to let him recover to be ready for the crunch Pool A clash next week against France.
Colin Slade, who last started in the 18-5 Tri-Nations loss to South Africa in Port Elizabeth last month, replaced Carter at first five-eighths, Jimmy Cowan was brought into the reserves, and fellow halfback Piri Weepu designated as cover for first five-eighths.
"The key thing is that Daniel had been recovering well from a stiff lower back," All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson said. "We will have him back fully training next week in preparation for the France test."
In choosing the team to play Japan, Henry gave players who didn't feature against Tonga a chance to press claims for the France match, when New Zealand's best 15 is expected to play.
In congratulating McCaw on his achievement, Henry said the skipper was inspirational for his total commitment to enhancing the country's reputation through the All Blacks' success.
"He is incredibly brave, skillful, and a hugely intelligent player who has the total respect of his team through the many deeds and successes he has achieved on the rugby field, and his ability to lead from the front," Henry said.
Almost 10 years after his debut, McCaw said of his century: "It's nice to have got there."
"It's pretty special, but I can't ignore the fact I've got to perform well for the team, that's the most important part," he added. "I'll reflect afterwards that playing 100 is cool to do."
Henry said McCaw will not play every game, meaning he'll likely be rested against Canada, New Zealand's last pool match before the quarter-finals. With the loose forward stocks depleted by the ankle injury to regular No8 Kieran Read, Henry said they will juggle the lineup to give all the loosies a rest.
"It's not good for him (McCaw) to play seven weeks in a row," Henry said.