Carter will put ABS back on course

DAN CARTER’S return to test rugby might do more than just keep the All Blacks’ unbeaten season intact in Buenos Aires tomorrow.

It will also restore the compass that’s been missing for much of the past two tests.

No disrespect to Aaron Cruden, who faced poor weather in Wellington and was on the back foot in Dunedin, but he ain’t no Carter.

For all the criticism, the All Blacks were tracking pretty well after their 22-0 Bledisloe Cup win over the Wallabies in Auckland.

The feeling was they weren’t far off till Carter exited with his troublesome calf strain. The effect should not be understated.

Injury has been an unfortunate bed-fellow for the 30-year-old over the past two seasons, but he remains the classiest pivot in world rugby.

The All Blacks played too much rugby in Wellington’s weather and not enough under Dunedin’s roof where Cruden’s lack of a long kicking game was exposed.

Raking punts not only clear pressure, but swing it the other way and Carter’s boot, particularly early, will be crucial in taking the crowd out of the match.

But, more than anything, he must take control of the All Blacks phase play, an area that has been the main offender in killing their attack. Far too often forwards have worked their way into first receiver, a predictable tactic that’s seen Luke Romano and others constantly caught behind the advantage line in the middle of the park.

CARTER will take control of those situations, order his forwards out of the way when they congregate between the ruck and their backs.

He will vary the attack and know when to cut his losses and apply pressure via his boot.

Cruden is a quality player, perhaps the best running No 10 in New Zealand, but at test level he is still developing Carter’s calm.

Argentina have a fast moving and organised defence that rushes up narrow from phase play and slides out from set piece.

The former is vulnerable about four defenders from the ruck, while the latter is best unlocked by a change of angle in the backs.

The All Blacks have not used Ma’a Nonu or Julian Savea well from set piece in the past two tests. Carter must get them both more involved.

Argentina have proven themselves worthy of their inclusion in the Rugby Championship and another brutal battle up front awaits.

However, it will not be where the All Blacks seek their greatest improvements.

That will come from the optiontaking of their first five-eighth, and for that reason they can be expected to finally add some polish to their game.