Readers have been quick to react to news the All Blacks will be without their star first-five Daniel Carter for the remainder of the Rugby World Cup, but most still think the team can take home the trophy.
By midday 73 per cent of readers in an nzherald.co.nz poll believed the All Blacks still had a shot at lifting the Webb Ellis trophy for the first time in 14 years later this month - while the remainder said the trophy was now out of reach.
The AB's are also still favourites with the TAB, although the odds for a win have been pushed out from $1.50 to $1.60.
Bookmaker Mark Stafford says the change is just a blip for the All Blacks.
"When you look around the others aren't really doing anything to say they can cash in, for me they're still by far the best to win it," says Mr Stafford.
Fans spoken to around Wellington's waterfront ahead of today's All Blacks match were unaware of the bad news when approached by nzherald.co.nz this morning.
"Oh shit, that's a shocker," was Aucklander Damian Jacobs reaction.
"He's the best in the position. I guess we'll see how Colin Slade goes."
"We've still got a team who can win it."
Friend Pete Whitehead agreed, although was not as confident: "We'll see. Miracles can happen."
Despite Aaron Cruden being brought in as cover, the pair felt the coaches should stick with Slade.
"He just has to do the basics," Damian said. " He doesn't have to do the ball running Carter does."
Posing for photos dressed like Batman in the Fan Zone, Lyall Bay man Shane Ford said he would pray for Carter to be okay for the next game.
"Put him in the reserves - he deserves to be there," he said.
Shane favoured Slade over Cruden.
"He's a developing player," he said of Slade.
"He's got guts ... he's not afraid to try things."
"Batman" still believed New Zealand would win the cup.
"Go the Blacks - I know they'll do well."
Applying facepaint by the Wharewaka, Johnie Rutene and Danielle Marlow were shocked when given the news.
"I think it is a bit of a bummer, but it is what it is."
But Johnie was pleased Cruden had been brought into the squad.
"I think he's a lot better than Slade. He's got the x-factor, Cruden brings a different dimension."
However, he favoured half back Weepu starting at 10.
"He's a league guy - he creates space.
"I'm still quite upbeat, I think they'll do well.
"We can't just rely on Ritchie (McCaw) and Dan to win it."
Danielle agreed.
"I think we can still do it without him. He's not the be all and end all."