When the All Blacks lose, the rest of the rugby world sits up and takes notice. It is so rare an occurence, having happened just twice in their last 46 test matches, that it understandably causes shockwaves.

Two games ago, against South Africa, one such anomaly occurred. They have since trounced the Americans, but in all honesty that tells us little. Given their draw against Australia, and the close nature of several of their latest victories, are chinks starting to appear in that menacingly black armour?

Not according to Dan Carter. The fly-half, who returned to action last week in Chicago after his latest injury lay-off, says confidence amongst the squad couldn’t be higher.

“The mental strength of this side shows the most when we’re under pressure and we’re able to get ourselves out of situations,” says the talismanic play-maker. “That’s a real strength of this side, especially in the last couple of years.

“Even when we’ve been behind by a few tries, we have that self-belief that until the final whistle, we’re still in with a shot.”

You only have to look at the innumerable holes they have dug themselves out of to realise this must be true. In the latest Bledisloe Cup instalment they scored a last minute converted try to give them a one point win; against England over the summer they did similar in the first test; against Ireland last November they deprived the hosts of their first ever victory in the dying seconds.

Something, somewhere, drags them back into the game and across the line. An inner self-belief means nerves never jangle, and the confidence that they will come through is always present. This self-belief is borne of the history and tradition surrounding the All Blacks – they are winners, and by losing you are letting down anyone who has worn your jersey before you.

Fittingly, Carter is speaking at the launch of their new shirt, the very embodiment of the pride the players take in that history and tradition surrounding the All Blacks.

“As a kid, you grow up wanting to put on that All Black jersey. There’s something so powerful about it. I was lucky enough to do it for the first time in 2003 – that was a very special day, but 12 years later it still means so much.”

Carter, though, has spent the best part of a year away from the shirt. After returning from his six month sabbatical, he was soon injured playing for the Crusaders – despite the rest and recuperation that had been allowed him for the first time in a long, jam-packed career.

“When you’re injured you’re not able to play and put in a performance so you can’t even compete for your position – that’s the most frustrating thing.

“When you do get back into the squad, as I am now, it’s just a matter of making the most of any opportunity. I got 30 minutes last week and I was happy with the way I played, and if I get some more time this tour then it’s just a matter of really nailing it.”

Despite another injury-enforced absence lengthening his time away from the sport he loves, Carter insists he does not regret taking time out of the game earlier this year.

“I definitely don’t regret doing it – 11 years at the highest level had taken a bit of a toll on my body. It was great to get some time away from the game, and when I returned to play for the Crusaders, motivation was really high. My body felt the best that it has in a couple of years – I was just unfortunate to get a whack.

“It’s a contact sport. If it had been a hamstring or a calf, that would have been more frustrating – but the body does feel good. Hopefully I’ll reap the rewards next year – we all know how big 2015 is – and starting the season fresh will help.”

For those hoping for rustiness from one of the game’s great out-halves, you’re out of luck. The professional rugby player’s exacting training routines might have been out of reach for Carter these past few months, but that innate self-confidence these All Blacks have reared its head again when asked whether he’s worried about kicking – such a technical skill – after so long away from the game.

“Normally we would do three [kicking] sessions a week, of an hour to an hour and a half. I’ve only had three kicking sessions in the last three months because of my injuries, so I’m a little bit underprepared at the moment.

“But I’ve been doing this ever since I was five years old, so I’ve just got to back that work that I’ve done throughout my life and take confidence in that.”

By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43

Dan Carter is wearing the new adidas All Blacks kit for 2014/15 – featuring the blackest All Blacks jersey ever. Visit adidasrugby.com and join the conversation @adidasrugby and @adidasUK.