RUGBY BLEDISLOE CUP: DAN CARTER is confident New Zealand have the "grit, heart and character" required to complete a second Grand Slam tour of the British Isles in four years. The All Blacks head to Scotland today after overhauling Australia 19-14 in Hong Kong to wrap up an engaging 2008 Bledisloe Cup series 3-1.
It was the second Test running against the Wallabies in which New Zealand had to come from behind to win and Carter believes that mental toughness will be an invaluable quality over the next month.
New Zealand have only completed two Grand Slam tours in their history - in 1978 and under Graham Henry in 2005.
"It is always a tough challenge to go for a Grand Slam and often you do have to grind out wins. We have done that on a couple of occasions now," said Carter.
Carter warned Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England that the Tri-Nations champions still have plenty of improving to do.
New Zealand made a rusty start and fell 14-6 down as Australia, inspired by Matt Giteau at outhalf, enjoyed the best of the first half.
Carter kicked three penalties to keep the All Blacks in touch before second-half tries from winger Sitiveni Sivivatu and captain Richie McCaw sealed the dramatic victory.
