RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011 GROUP
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There was a typically understated Daniel Carter approach to his achievement of becoming the highest point scorer in New Zealand history.

He's not one to jump and flap is Carter, which is why he just smiled and tried to deflect the questions about how it felt to be the most prolific All Black in history.

"It's a great feeling and I'm very proud," he said, "but it's something I will probably look back on more at the end of my career."

It was his penalty in the first quarter of the first half that saw him surpass Andrew Mehrtens' 967 points. When he landed three more penalties and a conversion he moved on to 980 and now has the 1000 barrier in his sights.

It wasn't, however, a vintage Carter effort. He missed a couple of easy kicks at goal and boomed a punt for touch into the dead goal area.

His defence, though, was outstanding and he made one superb tackle on the escaping Tom Croft that saved a certain try.

Such a mixed bag left Carter a little unsure about how to rate his own day.

But knowing Carter, he'll take it in the chin and bounce back next week.

"I guess you can't have 10 out of 10 every week," said All Black coach Graham Henry of Carter. "But 9...5 out of 10 isn't bad."

And Carter shouldn't be too hard on himself - there was still plenty of good about his and the team's performance. The All Blacks began to play more effectively when they drove the ball around the fringes of the ruck and committed the English defence.

That was when the space opened up and with a bit more composure and accuracy, they could have cut loose.

That was captain Richie McCaw's feeling after the game. "I thought we were close to opening the game up, he said.

Maybe that will come this weekend in Marseilles.

All Blacks star Dan Carter has spoken out for the first time on his controversial, and historic, appearance before international rugby's judiciary in London on Tuesday (UK time).

The man rated the world's best five-eighth faces missing at least a week, and maybe more, of this tour after he was cited for his high hit on replacement Welsh halfback Martin Roberts in last weekend's 19-12 victory at the Millennium Stadium.

If he is judged guilty, and any ban extends beyond this week's test against Italy at the San Siro, it could potentially compromise the All Blacks' chances of continuing their undefeated run under Graham Henry in the northern hemisphere's autumn internationals.

Carter was the headline act, alongside Brazilian and Juventus football superstar Diego, at an adidas promotion in Milan today, and had just enough time to finish his commitments there before being whisked away for an early-evening flight to London alongside assistant coach Steve Hansen.

The All Black superboot confirmed it was the first time he had appeared before the judiciary in his career, and because of that it was somewhat of a step into the unknown for him.

"It's a tough one - you can't worry too much," he said at the appearance to promote the launch of the latest adidas Predator boot. "I've just got to go there and give my case.

"I've never been to anything like this before, so it's something that's new to me. I guess I'll worry about it when I'm there."

After the match last weekend Wales' Kiwi coach Warren Gatland complained bitterly that Carter's transgression, in the 71st minute, had not met with a penalty and a yellow card from referee Craig Joubert.

But the All Blacks hold a contrary view and although they weren't about to make the mistake of speaking out before the hearing, it's understood they're disappointed the matter has even come to this.

Carter was steering well clear of any pointed comments and denied he was disappointed to be even facing hearing.

"They've obviously looked at it. I've had a quick look at it as well and I'll come up with my statement, and we'll see what happens," he said.

Carter has a hitherto unblemished record of discipline at all levels of the game and hopes this counts in his favour.

"It wasn't intentional," he said. "It's just one of those things. I'll have to put my best case forward and then it will be over to them."

The New Zealander was roundly booed for the last 10 minutes of the match by the Welsh faithful and was given a roasting when it was announced he had been made player of the match.

"It was an experience for me," he said.

Carter said he'd "love" to play this weekend at the sold-out San Siro, but it's likely if the judicial process doesn't take him out of the equation, All Blacks coach Graham Henry will as he looks to give some of his key men a rest.

Six Nations judicial officer Jeff Blackett was to hear the case beginning at 9am Tuesday (UK time).

Hansen - the former policeman who knows his way round a judicial hearing - said he was not going to represent Carter, leaving the All Black in the hands of the NZRU's London-based legal representative Owen Eastwood.

But it's understood Hansen will also speak on the player's behalf at the hearing.

After this week's match against Italy at the famous Milan football stadium, the All Blacks meet England at Twickenham and France in Marseille. They would very much like to have Carter in the driver's seat for both of those clashes.

Their chances of that may depend on just how convincing a case they can make in London tomorrow that Carter's act was nothing short of recklessness in a desperate situation.

One other point is worth noting: the November 21 clash at Twickenham is set to pit Carter against Jonny Wilkinson in a much-anticipated head-to-head between the world's glamour five-eighths.

It would be a brave man who denies the Twickenham faithful that enticing matchup.