Pressure on 'world's best' flyhalf Dan Carter
Injury-plagued All Blacks legend isn't taking his position for granted as he returns to test action
All Blacks star Dan Carter goes into today's Rugby Championship test against Argentina anointed as the top flyhalf in rugby history yet under growing pressure to hold down his place.
The world's leading points scorer returns to the All Blacks after another injury-plagued year in which he has missed four of five tests played and allowed the chasing pack of flyhalves to grow in confidence.
Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett had time in command as did fourth-string pivot Tom Taylor, with the All Blacks winning all five matches against France and Australia.
Carter is renowned for his all-round game - accurate kicking, strong running, powerful fend and fearless defence - leading All Blacks coach Steve Hansen to rate him as "certainly the best [flyhalf] in the history of the game".
But Hansen is also full of praise for the way Carter's understudies have filled the role in his absence. "That creates a bit of depth and it also creates a bit of pressure on Dan. It will be interesting to see how Dan takes it," Hansen said.
"You don't want him looking over his shoulder. You want him looking forward and trying to improve his own game."
It's a scenario the 31-year Carter is well aware of as he attempts to nurse his body through to the 2015 World Cup.