Dan Carter admits he is itching to get back to action when New Zealand play Georgia in their Pool C clash at the Millennium Stadium on Friday.
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Carter started the All Blacks’ opening win over Argentina at Wembley but watched on from the sidelines when they saw off Namibia on Thursday.
Steve Hansen’s side – who welcome the British & Irish Lions in 2017 – are looking to become the first team to defend the World Cup crown.
And Carter admits now is the time for the All Blacks to hit top gear and secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
“Obviously you're never wanting to watch from the sidelines but with the strength of the squad we've got, it's going to happen to a lot of the guys throughout the tournament," he said.
“We've got through those games with wins, but it's time we stepped up now.
“We're at our third game in this tournament and it's time that we improved as a team – and that includes myself. I'm really looking forward to this weekend.”
The clash in Cardiff could stir up memories of the All Blacks’ shock 2007 RWC quarter-final defeat to France for Carter and co.
But the fly-half insists there will be no problems at a stadium he considers the best around.
“I've had a lot of great memories here and to be honest and achieved a lot it's probably my favourite stadium in the world," added Carter.
"It's just an amazing place to play, awesome atmosphere and I'm sure this Friday night is going to be exactly the same.
"People here in Wales and Cardiff are rugby-mad similar to Kiwis back home.
"They're so passionate about their rugby and it's just an awesome stadium and as a kicker it's quite handy having a roof on to take away wind or rain which you can have a bit of here in Cardiff.
"The atmosphere is always electric – obviously we're not playing Wales so it may not be the same, but it will still be a capacity crowd and I'm sure it will be amazing."
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