WELLINGTON - The disappointment of last month's draw against Australia drove Dan Carter to a majestic performance against Scotland in Edinburgh, according to All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.
Carter was peerless in New Zealand's 51-22 win, scoring 21 points with the boot and toying with the Scottish defence through his range of running, passing and kicking skills.
It was a far cry from the final scene at his previous outing in Brisbane on October 20, when Carter's dropped goal attempt from straight in front of the posts sailed wide, leaving the All Blacks locked 18-18 with the Wallabies.
McCaw said Carter — who hasn't scored a try for 16 Tests — underlined why he remains such a crucial part of the All Blacks' attacking arsenal.
"He's pretty happy in the shed. I think he was pretty disappointed the last time we were out but he had a hell of a good game," McCaw told reporters.