All Blacks first-five Daniel Carter has been ruled out of the World Cup match against Japan in Hamilton on Friday after failing to overcome a sore back.
Carter has been replaced by Colin Slade in the starting XV for the match at Waikato Stadium, with halfback Jimmy Cowan coming onto the bench, and Piri Weepu now to provide first-five cover.
Carter suffered a stiff back in the All Blacks World Cup-opening match against Tonga.
All Blacks Doctor Deb Robinson said: "The key thing is that Daniel had been recovering well from a stiff lower back. However, he pulled up sore at an indoor training session this morning so we have made the decision not to risk him for the Japan match and we will aim to have him back fully training next week in preparation for the France Test.''
Carter was also seen rubbing his left wrist in the Tonga match at Eden Park.
He said after the match: "I have a bit of a dodgy wrist. It's why it's strapped. It's been affecting me for a while now. I got a whack to that but it's nothing too serious. My back tightened up about 20 minutes into the game so I was a bit stiff running around for most of the game but it didn't stop me being out there and it's something I need to manage over the next couple of days.''
All Blacks team: 1. Tony Woodcock 2. Keven Mealamu 3. Owen Franks 4. Brad Thorn 5. Sam Whitelock 6. Jerome Kaino 7. Richie McCaw - captain 8. Adam Thomson 9. Andy Ellis 10. Colin Slade 11. Richard Kahui 12. Ma'a Nonu 13. Conrad Smith 14. Cory Jane 15. Mils Muliaina
