All Blacks: Carter spreads the magic

Dan Carter. Photo / Getty Images

All Blacks 42 Wales 9

The presence of experience around him and the reduced pressure to steer the team alone were the keys to Dan Carter's boomer game.

The 28-year-old took control of the test in the second half when his kicking found length and direction and his running tore the Welsh apart. It was Carter at his best - it was Carter almost reminiscent of 2005 and parts of 2008 when he was untouchable.

Graham Henry felt the key to Carter's performance was the mental freedom he's afforded by knowing the likes of Jimmy Cowan and Conrad Smith are going to share the burden of game management responsibility.

"I think it really helps having experienced players around him," said Henry. "Jimmy is playing well at halfback, Conrad Smith has played a lot of test matches and Joe Rokocoko is making a big difference, isn't he?

"That's a bit different than the Crusaders where Dan was playing with youngsters which is a hard job to do."

In his usual way, Carter was just as happy with that theory, as he's never keen on self-promotion.

"It certainly helps my game," said Carter. "Super 14 was a bit of a learning curve as I'm used to playing around guys with a bit of experience. And I think Jimmy Cowan and Conrad Smith, they have played a few test matches now and they are taking a big leadership role, especially with Mils [Muliaina] being out."

The flow and rhythm the All Blacks found in the second half also helped Richard Kahui storm back into form. The Chiefs midfielder had an indifferent Super 14. Kahui repaid the coaches' faith and patience with a big night. He played the second half on the wing and scored a try that said he was back in a better mental place.

He, too, prefers to hand the credit to others and he felt his evening was made easier by the magic of Carter.

"When you have Dan Carter playing at No 10 he's going to be the heart and soul of your attack," said Kahui. "When Dan plays well, the All Blacks play well."

But while there was good reason to be happy with the second half performance, Henry was keen to make sure no one was getting carried away.

Anthony Boric took a knock to his cheek that may keep him out of action. Israel Dagg also took a head blow that could be serious.

Also, the All Black scrummaging was a little erratic until Tony Woodcock came on and much of the kicking was poor.

Welsh coach Warren Gatland also disputed the legality of Cory Jane's try, which he said was a turning point, giving as it did the All Blacks a handy lead just before the break.

"I thought Conrad Smith came in from the side and flicked the ball through his legs," he said. "That was a costly seven points for us."