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Former All Black Dan Carter showed again why Racing 92 paid plenty for his services with an influential performance in the French Top 14 championship
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The number 10 scored five kicks in another flawless performance
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Racing are now top of the pile, ahead of Clermont on points difference
Dan Carter admitted to shelving thoughts of a hot New Zealand beach as he battled driving rain and wind to lead Racing 92 to the top of the Top 14 table in a hard-fought 23-18 victory over Bordeaux-Begles.
“I’m not used to playing through Christmas and New Year, I’m usually on the beach in New Zealand,” he told Canal Plus.
“Last week against Clermont was a big game for us [a 26-10 win], but it meant nothing if we didn’t get the win this week. We’re very happy with the win,” he said.
Carter, who has hit the ground running since making his debut against Northampton last month, was instrumental once again in the win in his first Top 14 start at Stade Yves-du-Manoir in the Parisian surburb of Colombes.
The fly-half great landed all five of his shots at goal in driving wind and rain in Paris as the home side, who are currently top of the French Top 14, ahead of Clermont on points difference.
Coach Laurent Labit said he was pleased with the result and felt that in spite of the difficult conditions with a little more confidence the side could have widened the final margin.
“They [his side] have built patiently, put together some interesting phases of play against an opponent who can be difficult to get past.
“We provided a blow to their morale just before halftime and because of the wind they found it difficult to get out of their own territory.
“We have lost only twice in 15 matches [including the European Cup]. It is good for both the team and the management because we are regularly changing two-thirds of the side.
“Compared to last week’s side that won in Clermont we made 10 changes. Of course, we haven’t won a trophy but we have gained confidence through the team and we hope that will bring its reward at the end of the season,” he said.