All Blacks: Dan Carter says 'the weekends are the toughest'

Dan Carter says he was initially 'so gutted' after tearing a groin tendon that he didn't want anything to do with the Rugby World Cup. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Injured Dan Carter says staying involved with the team is helping him get through.

The last time Dan Carter faced a press conference was only three days after his Rugby World Cup dream was cruelly ended by a freak training ground injury.

With the nation in meltdown over the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup chances, Carter fronted the media at the beginning of the month in a bid to end the distraction his injury had become.

Yesterday was his first media appearance since, and the lie of the land has changed considerably.

After stuttering past Argentina in the quarter-final, the All Blacks - guided by Carter's replacement, Aaron Cruden - blew away the Wallabies 20-6 in the semifinal.

They are paying just $1.08 at the TAB to beat France in Sunday's final.

But while Carter's limp was less pronounced yesterday, his reality has remained the same.

"It's not too bad during the week, because I can still be involved and give my feedback," he said.

"But from having to watch the last two games, the weekends are probably the toughest times for me."

"I see the guys out on the field [and] I have a sense of no control. I'm so used to being out there and trying to make a difference on the field."

Carter flew to Melbourne for a successful operation on his adductor longus tendon in his left groin, torn when taking a shot at goal during a training session.

Yesterday, he revealed that when he fronted up to media after the injury, he was "so gutted I didn't want anything to do with the Word Cup".

"I wasn't going to go to any games. I sort of dropped my lip a bit ... I guess anger did creep in a little bit."

But his involvement with the All Blacks, including mentoring first Colin Slade and then Cruden, had helped to pull him through.

"Being around the team, it really does inspire you. You see the way the boys are just so excited about this, and it sort of motivates you again.

"You get over your initial disappointments, and then want to help the boys in whatever way possible."

Carter's voice was flat yesterday and - unlike at the media conference following his injury - he rarely bothered to mask his feelings with a smile for the gathered lenses.

With the team in good shape, this was more about answering media questions like, "Do you feel Aaron [Cruden]'s going to give you some real competition now?" all at once.

Carter will have a coffee with some of the All Blacks on Sunday and see friends and family to kill time before the 9pm kick-off.

During the semifinal, he was so nervous he kept up a running commentary to himself, to the amusement of Mils Muliaina, whose tournament was also ended by injury.

"I get so nervous that I'm just sort of having conversations with myself through the whole game. I get told to shut up a few times. It's just how passionate I am. I just want the boys to win so badly, like the rest of us."