Daniel Carter may not be sorely missed in Wellington but his dodgy ankle does threaten to have serious implications for the All Blacks' Tri-Nations rugby defence.
The Canterbury pivot was today ruled out of the starting line-up to face the French at Westpac Stadium on Saturday night -- an absence that should not adversely affect New Zealand's chances of securing a 2-0 series whitewash against the understrength and ill-prepared tourists.
Carter was predictably withdrawn after again failing to fully extend himself at training before the squad headed to the capital.
He rated himself a "50-50" proposition yesterday but could do little more than jog before retreating to the Eden Park gym while Nick Evans ran the backline.
Evans did an admirable job when he appeared in the second half during New Zealand's 42-11 victory at Eden Park last weekend.
But the All Blacks management were anxious for their star first five-eighth to log some significant game time before an ominous Tri-Nations opener against the buoyant Springboks in Durban on June 23.
Carter, who rolled his left ankle nine minutes into last weekend's season opener, was to be given every chance of playing in Wellington given his fractured Super 14 contribution to the Crusaders.
He missed two late season games with a neck problem after returning from the reconditioning period in round eight and admitted he was some way from replicating his imperious form when the Crusaders were eliminated in the semifinals.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry now has to ponder whether to risk Carter aggravating the sprain in a glorified training run against Canada in Hamilton next week, bring in him cold against South Africa or keep faith in Evans for the ABSA Stadium assignment.
"Daniel just ran out of time really," assistant coach Steve Hansen said today.
"We didn't see sense in risking him if he wasn't spot on. He was pretty close but he wasn't confident himself."
Hansen said Carter would probably play against the Canadians if his recovery continued on schedule but the make-up of that side would only be clarified after the French series ended.
The upside was Evans was "in good nick, and good form".
Wellington and Hurricanes centre Conrad Smith was another defection today, dropping off the bench after he aggravated his hamstring injury.
He is now touch-and-go to make the plane for South Africa, strengthening Isaia Toeava's claim to the contentious midfield berth.
Smith's short-term future should be clarified next week.
"It's hugely disappointing for him," Hansen said.
"He seems to have been plagued by injuries ever since he broke his leg (last year). Conrad's just got to keep working to strengthen it until it comes right."
Ma'a Nonu, released from the squad on Tuesday, was recalled to the bench while veteran wing Doug Howlett was also added to the back reserves after Evans' promotion.
Aaron Mauger, a stand out during the first test victory but overlooked this weekend, was a minor casualty today after sustaining a knock to a knee.
Meanwhile, the squad completed a polished training session before boarding the plane to Wellington, where captain Richie McCaw was hoping for a more composed performance.
"Everyone was happy enough after we reviewed the game but realise we have a lot of improvements to make," he said.
"There were things we didn't quite get right. Our scrum was dominant but we didn't get quality ball from it, our lineout went OK but we only got some quality ball from it.
"They're the things you've got to get right.
"We created opportunities last week but we didn't finish them ... guys were looking at the next job first.
"We were popping passes that didn't need to be popped."
McCaw notches his 50th test appearance at Westpac Stadium while halfback Byron Kelleher is poised to reach the same milestone.