(L-R) Mils Muliaina racks up his 99th cap, while Dan Carter will have to sit this match out, Richie McCaw becomes a test centurian, while Conrad Smith will reach the half century mark

New Zealand fly half Daniel Carter has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup 2011 with a serious groin injury.

The 29-year-old tore a tendon in his left groin during kicking practice on Saturday, New Zealand coach Graham Henry said at a team hotel press conference.

The record points scorer was initially withdrawn from New Zealand’s Pool A match against Canada in Wellington on Sunday and later scans revealed the seriousness of the injury.