This is New Zealand rugby's most precious commodity. Prayers are being offered for Daniel Carter to remain fit during the World Cup.
There has been a fair bit of consternation over the lack of back-up options at No 10. If the unthinkable happens, Colin Slade steps up. But then when you are compared with one of the greatest first five-eighths to play the game, it doesn't matter how handy the back-up, you will always be considered underwhelming.
The All Blacks key play-maker ended 2010 as the leading points-scorer in test rugby (1188) passing Jonny Wilkinson (1178) during the Wales test on the end-of-year tour. Wilkinson reclaimed the record (1195) in 2011, only for Carter to edge ahead again during the recent Tri-Nations. The battle between the pair for the top billing in the point-scoring stakes will provide an interesting side-show to the main event.
Debuting for the Crusaders in 2003, Carter was an All Black that same year, displaying huge talent at just 21. His breakout season came in 2005 when he was named IRB Player of the Year after destroying the Lions. In the second test, in Wellington, he scored two tries, five penalties, and four conversions, clocking up 33 points in the All Blacks' 48-18 victory.
One of the superstars of world rugby, the part-time underwear model's good looks caught the eye of US cable Channel E! Entertainment, who judged Carter to be third on their list of Sexiest Men in The World.
