The All Blacks selectors were sweating over the fitness of ace playmaker Dan Carter today as they held off finalizing their team to play Japan in Hamilton on Friday.

Carter is the automatic first choice flyhalf for the All Blacks but he has not been able to train with the side since their bruising encounter with Tonga four days ago.

Never one to shy away from defensive duties, Carter was hit several times by the powerful Tongan pack and All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen was not prepared to confirm he would be right to play Japan.

Meanwhile, Hansen hinted Mils Muliaina and Conrad Smith are likely to start against Japan after missing the Tonga game but he said there would not be wholesale changes.

The All Blacks take on Japan at 8pm Friday.


Story by: Vijay Narayan