Dan Carter’s legacy needs no dressing up. One of the greatest to ever do it, the All Blacks fly-half racked up a ridiculous 1,598 Test points in 112 caps, then piled on another 1,708 for the Crusaders at Super Rugby level.
Injuries cruelly robbed him of starring roles at the 2007 and 2011 World Cups, but Carter had the last word. On the biggest stage of all in 2015, he rolled back the years with a Man of the Match masterclass in the final, steering New Zealand to World Cup glory and cementing his place among rugby’s immortals.
Now, Carter has revealed his Dream Team of players he admires and respects, combining past teammates and opponents who inspired him throughout his career.
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DAN CARTER DREAM TEAM:
FRONT ROW
1. Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa)
Known as “The Beast,” Mtawarira earned 117 Test caps for South Africa. A powerhouse in the scrum, his physicality and leadership were vital to the Springboks’ success during his era.
2. Dane Coles (New Zealand)
Dynamic and skillful, Coles earned 84 caps for the All Blacks. Renowned for his ball-handling, mobility, and work ethic, he was a key figure in New Zealand’s dominant 2010s run.
3. Olo Brown (New Zealand)
Brown earned 52 caps and was celebrated for his scrummaging strength and imposing physical presence, forming the backbone of New Zealand’s front row in the 1990s.
SECOND ROW
4. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
Ireland legend O’Connell captained his country to a Six Nations Grand Slam and earned 108 Test caps. His line-out dominance and relentless tackling made him a central figure in Ireland’s golden era.
5. Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)
One of the finest locks of his generation, Retallick has 132 caps for the All Blacks. His athleticism, line-out skill, and physical presence were pivotal to New Zealand’s 2015 World Cup triumph.
