Carter keeps weather eye on the elements

Canterbury marksman Daniel Carter has yet to experience goalkicking in a gale at Wellington but is ready for anything the elements can produce tomorrow.

Carter, 22, estimated he had played only three times at the Westpac Stadium, where the notorious swirling winds have tripped up many a goalkicker, including Wellington's own Piri Weepu last weekend.

"But I've only kicked there once before, in the New Zealand test against Australia this year, and there was no wind ... It was just pouring with rain. So I've not really been tested," said Carter.

He watched Wellington's semifinal win over Waikato in which halfback Weepu struggled with his radar.

"I can imagine it must be pretty tough when the wind does come in there and swirls. One minute it's blowing one way and the next it's blowing the other.

"But it's going to be a challenge and I thrive upon those so I'm really looking forward to it."

Carter said it was a matter of judging the situation tomorrow night as he found it.

"You get out there before the game and have a few nudges and get a feel for it then. You just have to go in there with confidence, give it a good whack and then it should stay reasonably straight."

The long-range Wellington forecast is for fine conditions and northerly winds tomorrow night.

Carter has been on target consistently this season, having the highest percentage return of any goalkicker in the NPC.

Weepu has been entrusted with the goalkicking duties again despite problems not only in the semifinal but also the previous weekend against Southland at Invercargill.

Such are Wellington's worries over Weepu that he was placed off limits to the media this week in a bid to ease the pressure.

Carter (hip injury) and lock Brad Thorn (rolled ankle) did not train yesterday but neither is in doubt for the final and both are expected to train today.

Carter has plenty of respect for Wellington. "They are a tough side and are extremely physical. This campaign showed what they can bring.

"I've played a lot of big games in the last year but this is definitely up there, my first NPC final. It's another stepping stone that I'm really looking forward to.


Meanwhile, Canterbury coach Aussie McLean felt part of the reason for Wellington's new-found consistency was the patience they had displayed.

"That is probably the difference for them to other years. They've gone for the big play early on but they are a feet and inches team now," McLean said.

"They are prepared to wait and hold and we've just got to be as patient with our defence if they do hold the ball for long periods of time."

- NZPA

* reports on nzherald.co.nz/rugby throughout the wekeend

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