Former All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter is renowned as being one of the most naturally gifted rugby players in history – meaning he has to be in the conversation for any all-time XV.
The greatest back of the professional era, his 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.
A prolific goal-kicker, a wonderful silky runner and a masterful controller, he possesses the lot and has been a genuine match-winner at the highest level. The maestro made his Test debut against Wales in Hamilton in 2003, playing at inside centre and giving a sign of what was to come by scoring 20 points.
It was also against Wales in 2010 that he kicked a penalty from halfway at the Millennium Stadium to overtake Jonny Wilkinson as the world’s top point scorer.
He averaged almost 15 points a Test, the highest of any player in history who has scored more than 500 points. 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.
He scored two tries, five penalties, and four conversions and ended the match with 33 points, easily eclipsing the previous record of 18.
Carter named his all-time XV– and it is remarkable
Throughout his 18-year professional career, which started in New Zealand and ended in Japan, Carter played with and against some of the greatest players ever.
Here is the full team he selected:
BACK-THREE:
- 15. Ben Smith (New Zealand)
- 14. Bryan Habana (South Africa)
- 11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Carter on Lomu: ““He was the toughest player. I played against him once, I was 19-year-old and tried to tackle him, kinda woke up five metres back. He changed the game of rugby.”
CENTRES:
- 13. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
- 12. Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Carter on O’Driscoll: “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.”
