All Blacks first-five Daniel Carter has been ruled out of the World Cup match against Japan in Hamilton on Friday after failing to overcome a sore back.
Carter has been replaced by Colin Slade in the starting XV for the match at Waikato Stadium, with halfback Jimmy Cowan coming on to the bench, and Piri Weepu now to provide first-five cover.
Carter suffered a stiff back in the All Blacks World Cup-opening match against Tonga.
All Blacks Doctor Deb Robinson said: "The key thing is that Daniel had been recovering well from a stiff lower back. However, he pulled up sore at an indoor training session this morning so we have made the decision not to risk him for the Japan match and we will aim to have him back fully training next week in preparation for the France Test.''
Carter was also seen rubbing his left wrist in the Tonga match at Eden Park.
