As All Black fly half Aaron Cruden prepares to face the enormous task of marshalling his team in a Rugby World Cup final, he will look for help from a man who would have hoped to be performing the task himself.
As the world’s premier number 10, it goes without saying that if he were fit, Carter would be taking charge as New Zealand is looking to secure their first World Cup since 1987.
However, with a groin injury cutting his tournament short, that mantle has now fallen to Cruden but Carter still has a role to play.
83kg Cruden who is way lighter for the number 10 jumper said he has a lot of respect for Dan Carter but he will do his best to retain the fly-half position even after the Rugby World cup.
Cruden added Sunday night will be a totally different experience which he is looking forward to despite the pressure piling up on him.
Meanwhile, the Wallabies insist they want to come away with something to show from their flawed Rugby World Cup campaign and deeply care about winning this week’s third place play off with Wales.
And the Wallabies will be without four players from last weekend’s All Black battering for Friday’s match.
Lock Dan Vickerman, prop Sekope Kepu, centre Pat McCabe and hooker Stephen Moore have all been ruled out.
The All Blacks will play France on Sunday at 9pm in the RWC final and you can catch the live commentary on our sister station Viti-FM with Malakai Veisamasama and Ilivasi Tabua.
At 7.30pm Friday, the Wallabies play Wales in the bronze playoff.
Story by: Dhanjay Deo
Cruden ready for the task ahead
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