New Zealand’s rugby community was shocked at the news that their golden boy Dan Carter will have no more say in the outcome of this years rugby World Cup.

The All Black flyhalf has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament because of the groin injury he suffered at yesterday’s captains run and Colin Slade will now be expected to wear the No 10 jersey.

Manawatu’s Aaron Cruden has been brought into the squad.

This is a massive blow for All Blacks fans who are hoping their side will lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time since 1987.

And what makes this news even more devastating for Carter, and New Zealand fans, is that he is rarely been sidelined by this sort of injury.

Carter, the world’s premier playmaker, appeared to be in considerable pain when he suffered the injury du

ring a kicking drill and it is severe enough to rule him out of the remainder of the tournament.

Carter, who also played in the 2003 and 2007 tournaments, will be gutted to have his world title dreams destroyed by such an innocuous incident.

It is not just his calm demeanour under pressure that will be missed by the All Blacks. He is a vital member of the team’s leadership group and has the ability to snap open games with his magnificent skills – both with the ball in hand or when kicking for field position or for goal.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry is now likely to keep selecting Slade in the sudden death matches but can also ponder using Piri Weepu at first-five.

However, that seems unlikely – especially with Weepu now considered the top halfback in the squad.

Although he was not available to talk to media at the time, the team’s medical staff were immediately concerned and later issued a press release noting his withdrawal from this afternoon’s match against Canada at the Cake Tin.

Adding to the All Blacks’ injury concerns is that captain Richie McCaw withdrew yesterday because of ongoing concerns about his right foot injury.

Veteran Carter, who has played 85 tests, was to captain the team this afternoon in McCaw’s absence. Instead that honour has been flicked to Andrew Hore.

Openside flanker McCaw has been replaced by Victor Vito but the skipper is adamant he will be fit for next weekend’s quarter-final.

Pic: sport.ripley.za.net