Spencer pulls out of All Black tour

New Zealand playmaker chooses to rest

New Zealand fly-half Carlos Spencer has pulled out of the All Blacks' November tour of Europe, citing a need to 'get my injuries right'.

The 28-year-old playmaker has been carrying a knee injury, and there has been a suggestion he may have a shoulder problem as well.

"I want to get the knee right and just get excited about rugby again, so I'm taking the time off to get right and get ready for Super 12," said Spencer.

"I'm thinking long term - I'm not getting any younger and it's all about No.1 at the moment, and that's myself.

"For me to be right for the Super 12 means I have to take a bit of time out and get my injuries right."

All Black coach Graham Henry backed Spencer's decision, and confirmed that the Auckland fly-half had been having trouble with his knee for the past month.

"I think that's very wise - the knee is a concern. I think Carlos needs some space to get his body right and it's a wise decision," said Henry.

"It's very important that players don't go on this tour if they're not 100 percent and Carlos is nowhere near 100 percent.

"I totally support what he's trying to do.

"We always knew that the situation that has arisen with Carlos was going to be the case as he's been struggling with that knee for a month or so."

Spencer's withdrawal gives Canterbury veteran Andrew Mehrtens a chance to further his Test career. But with all eyes on the future, many believe that Mehrtens might also be left at home.

Indeed, Henry has indicated that he would like to see how Daniel Carter fares in at pivot, and hinted that he would blood a few youngsters in Europe.

"We'd obviously like to see one or two other players getting a run at No.10," said the coach.

"We might just have to develop someone at first five who's not playing there for his province.

"It's bit of an ask for players to develop at five-eighths in Test match rugby rather than at provincial level but that's the reality and we've just got to get on with it."

Henry described himself as being "reasonably happy" with the form shown by his players in the NPC, although he admitted that the lock and prop departments were proving to be "a bit skinny".

The 30-man squad that leaves for Europe in early November will be discussed by the selectors during next weekend's NPC semi-finals.

New Zealand tour schedule:
(All kick-off times are local)

Nov 13: v Italy - 15:00, Rome (Stadio Flaminio)
Nov 20: v Wales - 17:30, Cardiff (Millennium Stadium)
Nov 27: v France - 21:00, Paris (Stade de France)
Dec 4: v Barbarians - 15.00, London (Twickenham)