Carter may be one of two "navigators" appointed by coach Graham Henry for the historic rugby encounter against Australia, but left no doubt who would be guiding New Zealand around Hong Kong Stadium.
Donald, on the verge of making his first start in seven tests, holds the reins and Carter appeared relaxed at his temporary repositioning to second five-eighth.
It has been a learning experience for Carter, who has spent the majority of his 54-cap career at No 10, and one he was gradually coming to terms with.
"I've had to hold myself back a bit, it's something I've been working on all week," he said.
Conscious it is Donald who will call the moves from the set piece, Carter admitted he had tried to tone down his input in that area.
"I'm had to sort of pull back from giving him feedback from set plays and let him run the ship," said Carter, who last started in midfield four years ago.
"I have to sit back, he's more than capable and does it extremely well for the Chiefs and Waikato."
Carter's endorsement follows other encouraging references from Henry and assistant coach Wayne Smith yesterday, the duo believing Donald's impact in the second half of the Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations retaining victory in Brisbane last month justifies the same approach from kick-off against the Wallabies.
However, Carter is likely to end the match in his usual position, providing Ma'a Nonu is used off the bench.
The star pivot said he would also continue to offer his opinion when the All Blacks had possession in broken play.
"I'll still provide that voice but more from phase play -- providing options and letting him know what's going on," Carter said.
"I know when I'm playing at 10 you have a lot of voices pointing out the options and and it makes your job a lot easier."
Meanwhile, after the All Blacks imitated Australia's tactic of using two tactical kickers believing their opponents would do likewise, the Wallabies are seem poised to leave Berrick Barnes on the bench and use battering ram Stirling Mortlock to test Carter's defences.
Robbie Deans names his side tomorrow but it appears the Mortlock-Ryan Cross midfield that started the last Bledisloe installment at Suncorp Stadium will be retained.
Luke Burgess, the first choice halfback at the start of the season, has been confirmed as Sam Cordingley's replacement after recovering from a knee injury.
In other changes from the side that lost 24-28 in Brisbane, blindside flanker Rocky Elsom -- now with Irish club Leinster -- is expected to be replaced by Dean Mumm while Mark Chisholm makes his first start at lock this season for the injured James Horwill.
