Carter in doubt for All Black test

Crusaders and All Black playmaking star Daniel Carter is in doubt whether or not he will be able to take the field against France following a cracked bone in his right hand.

Carter’s injury was revealed following the match against the Waratahs, which the Crusaders won 23-22, and a decision to whether Carter will be fit to play will be made within the week.

“He got stood on the other night and has got a cracked bone so we’ll have to wait and see how the swelling goes and we’ll make a decision later in the week,” said All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.

“It’s only a crack, it’s not completely displaced.

“The biggest problem with Dan’s hand is the swelling. The biggest problem with swelling is you can’t grip the ball. If that goes down well enough then he may well be all right to play. But until we let the swelling go we won’t know that.”

If Carter is to miss the match, the squad includes Chiefs number 10 Aaron Cruden and Hurricanes younger Beauden Barrett, who have both been in great form in this year’s Super Rugby competition, and have each had experience in the All Black set-up.

Source: All Blacks, image: Getty Images