Editorial: Carter's loss huge but Go All Blacks

There is no denying New Zealand's Rugby World Cup bid has suffered a major blow.

We have lost Daniel Carter - our superstar first five-eighth has been ruled out of the rest of Rugby World Cup 2011 because of a serious groin injury suffered while training on Saturday. A left tendon in his groin is torn.

In the announcement, All Black coach Graham Henry said Carter had "been a world-class player for a long time" and "probably one of the greatest players used by this country".

When random fans from other countries - supporters of other Rugby World Cup teams - post condolence messages to New Zealand on their Facebook pages you know the world understands the impact of an All Blacks team without Carter.

It's a sad day, real sad.

The news has devastated New Zealand but just imagine the devastation Carter himself is suffering - he has trained so hard to master his craft and his role in the Rugby World Cup 2011 has ended. Now he'll have to wait another four years to play in a world cup.

It has probably also devastated Jockey (If you didn't already know Carter is the poster boy for Jockey's Unordinary Underwear for Unordinary Athletes) which may need to look at offering a little more support for the pin-up boy's groin.

However, we must not dwell on this bad and unfortunate news.

Obviously the loss of Carter to the All Blacks has to have an impact on their chances of winning Rugby World Cup 2011, but let's embrace his replacement and believe we can still do it.

It is a big blow but let's not lose hope, faith and support for our boys.

Go the All Blacks.