New Zealand legend Dan Carter was asked by Mail Online to name his top three toughest opponents from his stellar career. Here’s who he picked:
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.
Throw in a further 1,708 points for the Crusaders and the fly-half’s impact on the game cannot be emphasised enough.
One of his greatest performances came in the second Test against the Lions in 2005, when he outshone Wilkinson in their fly-half battle to lead New Zealand to an emphatic 48-18 triumph in Wellington.
Below, Carter has revealed the five toughest players he came across during his legendary career:
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#3. Conrad Smith (New Zealand)
A legendary New Zealand rugby center, Conrad Smith, is celebrated for his intelligent and composed style of play.
With exceptional vision and precise passing, he was a key figure in the All Blacks’ backline during their successful campaigns, including World Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2015.
Carter wrote: “”Conrad Smith. He’s a right battler and an amazing player to play with. Unarguably, one of the best of all-time for me, but doesn’t get the praise he deserves.”