The All Blacks coaching staff say they will resist pushing the 'panic button' and recalling flyhalf Dan Carter to salvage their Tri-Nations campaign.

Following back-to-back (19-28 and 19-31) defeats at the hands of the Springboks - with the inability of the backline one of the key problem areas - there have been calls to rush Carter back for the Kiwis' three remaining matches in the tournament.

However, assistant coach Steve Hansen reckoned that Carter, who ruptured his Achilles tendon playing for French club Perpignan six months ago and has played just two matches for his Southbridge club and for Canterbury since, would not be risked if he was not ready.

"I don't think so. We have not seen him play. Unless he is 100 percent right, it would be a form of panic I think," Hansen told the New Zealand media.

Carter's replacement Stephen Donald was a mixed bag in the All Blacks' two defeats. Although his goal-kicking was accurate, he struggled in other facets such as passing, taking the high ball and kicking in general play.

With the real prospect of losing their grip on the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup crowns, there has been calls to bring back the Kiwis' backline magician.

Although Carter may be desperately short of match-play and cannot be expected to play at his full potential against the Wallabies, his experience and ability to guide the backline around the field will have the All Blacks seriously considering whether to rush him back.

"I think that it's early yet," coach Graham Henry stated after the Durban defeat at the weekend.

"When we get back home we will have a look around and see who is playing well and Daniel is obviously one of the players we will look at."

Instead of whistling up Carter ? if he is not ready - Hansen indicated the All Blacks will continue to look at Donald or McAlister to continue in the playmaker's role.

"We have just got what we have got and sometimes you just have to play the cards you have been dealt with. DC is injured and if we brought him back too soon just because we are having problems here, you create another problem. We just have to be patient, believe in ourselves and keep working hard and it will come right."