Carter’s injury not expected to be serious; by JAMES MORTIMER

All Blacks first five-eighth Dan Carter, who was forced to leave the field in the first half of the Crusaders 33-32 Investec Super Rugby Final loss to the Waratahs, is still expected to feature for the World Champions in the coming weeks.The fact that Carter tried to run the injury off was an indication it wasn’t a major, although the Crusaders have signalled that they will take every precaution.

Carter and the other seven squad All Blacks who featured in the decider at ANZ Stadium are expected to link up with the rest of The Investec Rugby Championship squad this week.

Coach Todd Blackadder said it wasn’t ideal to lose such an experienced player early.

"He tried to run it off, but he couldn't quite get there, which is disappointing,” he said.

“At least he had a crack, so he's pretty sore.”

“It wasn't great losing him so early, but that's just life.”

“I thought the guys that went out there did a pretty good job and Slade stepped up and kicked the goals that he needed to and Tom Taylor ran bloody well.”

“But you don't like to lose those influential players.”

Typically a corked thigh, even at its worse, doesn’t require surgery or a long layoff, but one wouldn’t be surprised to see Carter miss the upcoming matches against the Wallabies to guarantee full recovery.

Amazing how wrong commentators get things, we heard it was an ankle then a knee and of course it was feared it was a very bad injury.
Given what it could have been this is good news - at least for kiwis.

 Just wait until Bismarck gets hold of Daniella again.

Ceradyne: Good ol' reliable Bismark best hooker in the world and best hot head too, lol More yellows & reds on the way.

Ceradyne: Good ol' reliable Bismark best hooker in the world and best hot head too, lol More yellows & reds on the way.