All Blacks coach Graham Henry has taken a thinly-veiled shot at the age of Wallabies five-eighth Stephen Larkham heading into the Tri-Nations opener at Jade Stadium.

Henry labelled veteran playmaker Larkham an "old fella of 33-34" when comparing him to his own world-class five-eighth Daniel Carter.

Larkham is in fact 32, eight years older than Carter.

The clash marks the first time the pair, regarded as the best two flyhalves in rugby, have gone head-to-head in the Test arena.

Henry was responding to recent comments made by Irish coach Eddie O'Sullivan who rated Larkham the best pivot in the game.

"I think Daniel Carter is a young guy 23-24. Stephen Larkham is an old fella - what is he 33-34? - so he's had a lot of time in the saddle," Henry said.

A modest Larkham this week said he had rated Carter without peer as a No.10 since he "carved up" the British Lions last winter, an assessment that more rugby experts would agree with than not.

Henry warned there was still plenty of improvement left in Carter.

"I think it's natural that guys grow in the job," he said.

"If he's the finished article now I'd be very surprised."

But Henry said it was the result of the 2007 World Cup, to be held in France in September and October, rather than the Tri-Nations opener that would decide the world's best mantle.

"I think it's exciting for rugby and exciting for the game tomorrow."

Wallabies skipper George Gregan also ruled out the result of the match as a factor in deciding the better player.

"I don't think (the game) is going to stop that debate," Gregan said.

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