Carter looks forward to new role

Dan Carter was surprised to be lining up at inside centre for the Bledisloe Cup clash with Australia in Hong Kong but the New Zealand star insisted he is relishing the challenge. Carter has been moved to number 12 for the encounter at Hong Kong Stadium to accommodate Stephen Donald.

Donald was introduced for the final 30 minutes against Australia at Suncorp Stadium last month and helped the All Blacks launch a fightback that ultimately saw them edge the home side 28-24 and collect the 2008 Tri-Nations title.

Having been assured by the management the switch is only temporary, Carter, considered one of the finest stand-offs in world rugby,  was enthusiastic about the decision ahead of Saturday's contest.

"It's quite surreal actually," he said. "It's where I'd played a couple of seasons professionally. It's a new challenge because it has been so long. I'm really looking forward to it.

"The coaches have made it clear it's not going to be a permanent move so that's good because I'm probably more suited to the number 10 jersey but that 30 minutes in Brisbane when Steve came on, he made a real difference and I think he really deserves his chance at having a start."

All Black coach Graham Henry had stressed the need for "two navigators" on the field was behind his team selection but Carter conceded he will have to curb his natural instinct to direct proceedings when operating in the midfield.

"That's something I've been working on all week. Because I'm so used to calling the moves, I need to pull back and let him (Donald) run the show," the 26-year-old added.

"He's more than capable, he does it extremely well for Chiefs and Waikato so I just have to sit back and still provide that voice but more from phase play, providing options and let him know what's going on from phase play.

"I know when I'm playing at 10 if you have a lot of voices providing you options it makes your job a lot easier so my main role is to make the job as easy as I can for Stephen."

Saturday's game marks the first of a six-match schedule that moves on to the northern hemisphere with games against Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England as well as European champions Munster.