Dan Carter has ranked his six toughest opponents from his incredible rugby career.
The greatest back of the professional era, Carter’s record speaks for itself. Way out in front as the leading points scorer in international rugby history, with 1,598 points from his 112 caps, he won two Rugby World Cup’s.
Sourcing several Q&A’s from down the years, including one with the Independent, here is his top five:
DID YOU KNOW? In the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final against Australia, Dan Carter kicked four penalties, two conversions and a drop goal, and was named the man of the match.
#6. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
CARTER SAID: “He had some blinding games in big moments — none more so than in the 2007 and 2011 World Cup games against the All Blacks.”
DID YOU KNOW? He broke the record for most tackles in a match, making 38 tackles against the All Blacks in the 2007 World Cup final
4&5. Brian O’Driscoll & Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
Carter said: “Two giants of the game that have worn the green jersey were Paul O’Connell and Brian O’Driscoll. Their work rate and how they conducted themselves on and off the pitch was exemplary.”
Brian O’Driscoll facts:
- He is devoted to Manchester United and his boyhood hero was Mark Hughes
- O’Driscoll’s father, Frank, played two games for Ireland and an uncle, Barry, won four caps
- His final appearance for Leinster, and for any team, was in the 2014 Pro12 Grand Final on 31 May in Leinster’s home ground, the RDS in Dublin, in which Leinster defeated the Glasgow Warriors 34-12
- His most oft-quoted line was delivered at a press conference at Croke Park before an England match in 2009: “Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.”
- O’Driscoll was chosen as Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009 RBS Six Nations Championships.