All Blacks coach Graham Henry is hoping a deputy for first-choice playmaker Dan Carter will emerge from the Super Rugby season © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

News: Slade struggles to make an impression

News: Slade on trial for Tri-Nations spot

News: All Blacks look for emotional support

News: All Blacks happy with fly-half options

News: Slade to miss rest of season

News: Highlanders wait on Slade update

Players/Officials: Dan Carter | Aaron Cruden | Sir Graham Henry | Luke McAlister | Colin Slade

Teams: New Zealand

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has admitted that the "jury is still out" on who will provide cover for first-choice fly-half Dan Carter at this year's Rugby World Cup.

Henry is facing an increasingly alarming scenario with a genuine rival to Carter yet to emerge during this year's Super Rugby competition and time running out for a potential candidate to stake a claim. Blessed with depth in every other position, Henry's failure to identify an able stand-in for Carter threatens to undermine their challenge for the sport's biggest prize.

"The jury is certainly still out on that one," said Henry. "I don't think that anybody at this stage in time is saying 'pick me'.

"We have three months or so in which to make that decision and we've got an open mind about it. We're watching all the potential players play as much as possible and we'll make a decision come July."

Aaron Cruden appeared to be the chosen one after completing a meteoric rise through the ranks in 2010 but he made way for Stephen Donald for the end of year tour. Cruden has since failed to nail down the Hurricanes' No.10 shirt this season - dropped in favour of Daniel Kirkpatrick for their last outing against the Blues - while Donald has also endured a tough time with the Chiefs while a back injury is set to sideline him for the next month.

Highlanders fly-half Colin Slade also had a taste of the All Blacks' No.10 shirt during last year's Tri-Nations but a broken jaw picked up in pre-season has delayed his season bow. The more experienced Luke McAlister is also reported to be in the running but has been forced to share the Blues' No.10 jersey with Stephen Brett.

"Currently we are visiting the franchises and spending time talking to the players and coaches," added Henry, who is on his way to London for the Crusaders' Super Rugby clash with the Sharks at Twickenham. "We're trying to ensure individuals improve over the Super Rugby competition and there is quite a bit of communication between the players and coaches as we do that.

"We have two official visits to each franchise over the next few months which last three days at a time and we can also go to any franchise at any time if we feel there is a need to see a particular player."

Henry has also ruled out an All Blacks return for Harlequins fly-half Nick Evans, who as an overseas-based player faces the same selection barrier that barred a recall for Toulon tight-head Carl Hayman.

"Nick is not available as far as we are concerned," Henry said. "We would like to see him available but it is our policy not to pick overseas players and he is an overseas player. If Nick came back and signed a contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union and continued to play as part of the contract after the World Cup he would be considered."

Tickets for Investec Super Rugby Crusaders v Sharks at Twickenham stadium on March 27(4pm) can be purchased online via rfu.com/tickets or by telephone 0844 847 2492. £5 from each ticket sold will go to the Red Cross Earthquake Appeal.