Speaking to the Mail Online, rugby legend Dan Carter has picked out six players who have potential to light up his summers 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to his native New Zealand.
British & Irish Lions
Owen Farrell (Fly-half)
“He should be the leader of the back line in the No 10 jersey,” said Carter
“He’s matured so much, not losing any competitiveness or physicality, and he reads the game much better.
“He attacks the line, rather than just standing in the pocket, and he makes the players around him look fantastic.
Sam Warburton (Flanker)
“How the players bond will fall heavily on his shoulders.”
“It’s his job to make sure the squad forget which country they are from and he will take a lot of credit if it works out,” added Carter.
“He’s not a bad breakdown operator, either. He’ll do everything he can to upset New Zealand’s tempo.”
Maro Itoje (Second-row)
“A bit of an unknown for the All Blacks.” said Carter.
“He’s only been on the scene for a couple of years but he’s achieved so much. He’ll be the guy charging down kicks, making tackle after tackle. He’s on a high after what he’s achieved with England and Saracens.
He’s on a high after what he’s achieved with England and Saracens.”
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All Blacks
Beauden Barrett
“As a No 10, he’s got something we’ve not seen before and has taken the game to a new level.”
Kieran Read
“The guys have so much respect for him. He hasn’t played a lot of rugby this year but he’s the leader.
“He’s so physical and has all the skills in the book.”
Julian Savea
There’s something about him that reminds me of Jonah Lomu. He can just run over players.