Cardiff nightmare not haunting All Blacks
Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:46
Ace All Black playmaker, Dan Carter insists they will not be haunted by memories of New Zealand's World Cup disaster when he makes his Millennium Stadium return on Saturday.
Eight All Blacks players who are starting against Wales this Saturday, were part of the team that lost to France in the quarter-finals at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
The defeat to France plunged the Kiwi nation into mourning and Carter, who wins his 57th cap this Saturday reflects on his countries dark period.
"It was tough at the time," Carter told scrum.com. I went on holiday for a month to Europe and parts of the world which weren't about rugby," he added.
"In that time, I just got a chance to get away from rugby, and by the time January came around I was refreshed and ready for another big season. Being back in Cardiff doesn't bring back sore memories or anything like that.
"Obviously, it was tough last year, but I have some very fond memories of the stadium. It's good to be back."
Since then the All Blacks have dominated the international rugby scene post-World Cup, landing the Tri-Nations title and targeting another successful grand slam tour.
They are halfway towards completing a clean sweep, having seen off Scotland and Ireland without conceding a try. Only Wales or England at Twickenham next Saturday can halt what appears to be a relentless march.
And Carter appears in the mood to wreak more havoc in his penultimate All Blacks appearance before joining wealthy French club Perpignan on a lucrative six-month contract.
"I am really excited about being on tour with the All Blacks - it is a great team and I am very passionate about it.
"But we know we are facing probably the toughest game of our tour this weekend. We will need to be at the top of our game.
"I rate Wales very highly. They were the best team in the Six Nations this year, and they are playing rugby full of confidence.
"They have really grown since I first played against them in 2003. A lot of players are still involved, and they've got real leadership and experience now."
