Richie McCaw backs Aaron Cruden to impress

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw has backed Aaron Cruden to impress in place of the injured Dan Carter for Saturday's match with Wales in Cardiff.

Carter was forced to pull out of the team on Thursday with a muscle injury that he sustained during training.

Cruden, 23, has never tasted defeat in his 18 Test appearances for the All Blacks.

"I'm pretty disappointed for Dan. He's a good footballer but it's something you can't control," McCaw told reporters.

"It's hard to replace somebody who has had 93 caps but the other fella is going to fill in.

"Aaron has played a few Tests and has got huge confidence. He will come in and do a good job."

New Zealand go into Saturday's encounter at the Millennium Stadium having not been beaten in 19 matches.