New Zealand flyhalf Daniel Carter could shift to inside center for next week’s Tri-Nations Test against South Africa after he trained there in a revamped All Blacks’ backline in Christchurch yesterday.
Carter, who returned to the All Blacks side for the 19-18 victory over Australia on Aug. 22 after recovering from an Achilles’ injury, slotted into the position at the training session with Stephen Donald playing flyhalf and Ma’a Nonu running at center.
Coach Graham Henry has been forced to juggle his backline after injuries to inside center Luke McAlister (cheekbone) and center Conrad Smith (hamstring) in the match in Sydney ruled them out for the remainder of the Tri-Nations.
Donald, Carter and Nonu finished the match in Sydney.
Injuries to Wellington’s Tamati Ellison (calf) and Waikato’s Richard Kahui (shoulder) have added to Henry’s selection woes.
Carter first broke into the All Blacks as an inside center in 2003 before he moved to flyhalf a year later and has since cemented himself as arguably the best player in the world in the position.
“We’re just trying to pick the best team for this Test match,” Henry told the New Zealand Press Association. “Dan can play 12 as we all know.”
“He played 12 for quite a lot of the game against Australia in Sydney [after Smith was injured]. It’s just a matter of us picking the best team for this particular Test,” Henry said.
Donald and Carter started at flyhalf and inside center respectively for the All Blacks’ Bledisloe Cup clash with Australia in Hong Kong last year.
If selected, the Donald-Carter pairing will provide a dual kicking option in the midfield and allow Nonu more time and space to try to break down the rushing Springbok defense.
The All Blacks reassemble in Hamilton on Sunday to prepare for the Sept. 12 Test against the the world champion Springboks at Waikato Stadium.
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