New Zealand would have been in huge trouble without Dan Carter.
The world champions appeared to be coasting in the one-off Test encounter with Manu Samoa, in Apia, today but their veteran out-half steered them through some mighty surges.
Following rousing Siva Tau and Ka Mate hakas before kick-off, Steve Hansen’s men had the better of some fierce opening exchanges and led 12-3 at the break.
A George Moala try, eight minutes into the second-half, looked to have settled the contest.
Samoa were not finished yet, however.
After 64 minutes, and trailing 22-9, Alafoti Fa’osiliva powered through for a converted try.
At 22-16, the All Blacks were another converted score away from losing. Carter remained on the pitch, though, to help see his men through.
Post-match, New Zealand captain Richie McCaw warned that their hosts would be ‘a force to be reckoned with’ at this year’s World Cup.
Glad we don’t have them so.
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