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RWC Semi Final: New Zealand - Australia (16-10-2011, 21:00)

It's not his mind that worries me, it's his body. He really wanted to play in this World Cup, he didn't even finish all his training sessions haha.

Cruden will learn more playing, than sitting on the bench watching, just my opinion any way.

I'd love Carter to prove me wrong, but he doesn't hurt his legacy going for the big bucks at this stage of his career.
Cruden will only get better, he will get much better playing the big games at international level than sitting on the bench.
I don't think Carter is going to get any better at his stage of his career, age catches up with every one, and Carter has a history of injuries.

You do realize that Carter is contracted to the NZRU till the next World Cup, regardless of how he plays? He has a sebatical clause, but he'll be with the All Blacks anyway.

In my mind, the poor guy deserves another World Cup, just to play in a final if we make it there.
 
When I said I don't think he's going to get any better, I actually meant I don't think he will maintain his standards. I especially don't think Dan Carter @ 33 will be any where near as good as Aaron Cruden @ 26.

Carter didn't get as good as he is sitting on the bench, he got that good playing top level rugby. I actually don't even think Carter is as consistent as he was 4 years ago.
He has his moments ala France pool game, but he's played fairly averagely compared with his previous high standards for most of the year.

TBH I wont argue if he stays on, and I hope he does play well but if he did chase the $ I think it would be better for NZ rugby.
 
You do realize that Carter is contracted to the NZRU till the next World Cup, regardless of how he plays? He has a sebatical clause, but he'll be with the All Blacks anyway.

In my mind, the poor guy deserves another World Cup, just to play in a final if we make it there.

Carter has paid his dues, I am sure if he asked to reneg his contract they would sort something out for him.

The way I see it, 1 more year maybe two max with Cruden under DC's wing would probably be the perfect scenario. Would give Cruden the chance to develop and learn off DC, then 2 years to prove himself before the World Cup.

I suppose 4 years is a long way away, Cruden and Carter could both be after thoughts by then. Just a perfect world scenario.
 
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Agreed.

Also, they divvied up the 1st receiver role between Dagg & Cruden & Nonu. Too many targets for Pocock to cover if he did happen to get out of the rucks he was buried in. Everyone was directing play, rather than just DC doing it.
And, Cruden's defense was beyond awesome. It was easily 10 times better than earlier this year.

I'm not too sure the French team can hang with this AB's team. This is based on last nights performance and the French performance against England.

His defense has always been awesome.. there is no improvement because it has always been great

Also, Carter at 12 in his twilight years could be a handy option. There aren't too many top talents coming up for the 12 jersey before 2015
 
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Outstanding performance last nite from both side. The commitment was second to none. I havnt seen that much claret in one game since I played club footy in South Auckland.:mad:
 
As I've said, both McCaw and Carter have been signed till the next World Cup, and if they're both not starters than they'll certainly be in the squad. Carter is still head and sholders aboved the next best 1st 5/8th in the world and I can see him staying there at 33 years old (if he's the highest test points scorer, and highest Super Rugby points scorer now, how far is he going to get in four years!).

I actually felt really sorry for Cooper. This World Cup he has received hell. I hope we ease off now, as we have targeted him as a nation (partly because he messed with McCaw) but players like Botha and Hartley didn't get anywhere near the amount of flack (I admit I boo'd during the USA v Australia and at home). It was fun to hate the guy and throw him off all World Cup, but I can't imagine what it would be like to go through, 60,000 people in a stadium and four million in home, celebrating your every error.

The pressure/hate obviously got to him, whether he would like to admit it or not. It's hard to see him having such a bad campaign in Australia or really anywhere outside New Zealand.
 
The pressure/hate obviously got to him, whether he would like to admit it or not. It's hard to see him having such a bad campaign in Australia or really anywhere outside New Zealand.

Maybe teams just figured the mans a genius on front foot ball and a bit invisible and prone to mistakes when the pressure is on his pack/team. Think he'll be a better player for his NZ WC experience, surely there is only one way for him to go now. HOME. nah just kidding upwards of course ;)
 
Carter has paid his dues, I am sure if he asked to reneg his contract they would sort something out for him.

The way I see it, 1 more year maybe two max with Cruden under DC's wing would probably be the perfect scenario. Would give Cruden the chance to develop and learn off DC, then 2 years to prove himself before the World Cup.

I suppose 4 years is a long way away, Cruden and Carter could both be after thoughts by then. Just a perfect world scenario.

Yeah they could probably use the same tactic with Richie McCaw and Matt Todd.
 
I think this is the last hoorah for many New Zealand players. Carter, McCaw, Thorn, Smith, Mils, Nonu, Reid, Woodcock, Mealamu, Hore... None of them will be around for the next tournament. If they are, New Zealand are going to find themselves in a similar position to what we were this time around. Hanging on to has-beens and old folks.

2 Years ago after the Lions series, we were at our peak, the best we could be. New Zealand are there now, having built a team for the last 8 years.

After this tournament, New Zealand need to get on with bringing their youngsters through. Otherwise I have no doubt, they will be on the decline.
 

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