OPINION: In the endless debate of World Cup year it is easy to become distracted.
The makeup of the All Blacks outside backs have dominated the debate over the past three weeks and Nehe Milner-Skudder's test debut has taken centre stage in the build-up to the first leg of the Bledisloe Cup in Sydney.
Is Israel Dagg safe? Is there room for Colin Slade and Charles Piutau? Does Cory Jane have time to stake a claim?
The list goes on. Who is the fourth lock? Who will be the third hooker and third halfback?
How quickly we forget. How quickly we are sidetracked.
Each selection is important in its own right, but all play second fiddle to the man with No 10 on his back.
A few short weeks ago the magnifying glass was hovering over Dan Carter as he tentatively eased into a one-off test in Samoa.
Go back a month or two more and many were doubting whether the All Blacks maestro's aging body would even make it to the World Cup. Rewind a little further still and most people would have been picking Beauden Barrett to retain the starting spot he held in Cardiff last November.
And yet, Carter's form and fitness have all but disappeared from the World Cup narrative.
A seven from eight kicking display against Samoa and a 14-point haul was reassuring and there were hints of further confidence during his final home test in Christchurch against the Pumas.
It was enough to ease the pressure gauge. Perhaps that's why coach Steve Hansen decided not to take Carter to South Africa. Out of sight, out of mind.
While encouraging, Carter's two tentative tests were not enough to start hailing his rebirth.
As Dagg showed in Johannesburg there is a big difference between shining against the Pumas on home turf, and firing against the world's top sides in a hostile environment.
That's something Carter still needs to tick off in the build up to the World Cup. In fact, it's something he hasn't really experienced in close to two seasons.
With due respect to Scotland, his last big test start on foreign soil was against England at Twickenham in November 2013. It was his 100th test and, though the All Blacks won, it ended before Carter had fired a shot as he limped off injured after 26 minutes.
That test seems an age ago. So does the last time Carter took an opponent apart on foreign soil. That was way back in November, 2012 when he orchestrated a 51-22 win over Scotland at Murrayfield.
The question remains, however uncomfortable, whether Carter can reach those heights again.
Lima Sopoaga's bright test debut in South Africa provided a reminder of what youthful energy and attacking intent can potentially add to the All Blacks.
But he is not Carter, the 104 test, 33-year-old veteran Hansen still believes can lead his side to World Cup glory later this year.
Hansen would dearly love to see a fit and firing Carter unravel the Wallabies on Saturday night. That would be worth more to the All Blacks than even the Rugby Championship trophy itself.
