New Zealand 79 Canada 15: End of the world for Kiwi star Carter

Fly-half Colin Slade was drafted in by coach Graham Henry to replace record points-scorer Carter, who will miss the rest of the World Cup with a groin injury.

On a day when winger Zac Guildford scored four of New Zealand’s 12 tries at the Wellington Regional Stadium, Slade started for only the fourth time in his nine Tests with the spotlight firmly on him as the host nation made it four wins from as many starts in the pool campaign.

Guildford scored three of his tries in the first half on his World Cup debut as Slade struggled to judge the difficult conditions and only landed five from nine kicks at goal.

After the game New Zealand captain Andrew Hore faced up to the loss of Carter.

He said: “You can’t lie about it, he’s going to be hard to replace as he’s a pretty special player.”

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has described the blow of Carter’s premature World Cup exit as “devastating.”

The fly-half playmaker will miss the rest of the tournament after tearing a groin tendon during New Zealand’s final training session in Wellington before tackling Canada.

Carter, who has amassed a record 1250 points during his 85-cap Test career, had been due to captain the All Blacks in their final Pool A fixture while regular skipper Richie McCaw rested a foot injury.

Carter, the world’s leading number 10, was hurt during a kicking drill at Wellington Regional Stadium.

“It is devastating for Daniel,” Henry said. “This was going to be his pinnacle, the Rugby World Cup. We’ve had a lot of focus on this tournament for the last couple of years, and it is devastating he cannot be involved.”