Dan Carter names his 'key' players for 2021 Lions XV

Tuesday, 12 January 2021 at 09:42

byRugby Rucker

All Black legend Dan Carter says that he would select England international Owen Farrell as his starting fly-half for the British and Irish Lions tour later this year.

1. Owen Farrell (England)

“Owen Farrell’s been in fantastic form for a year or two and he would be my pick at fly-half,” said Carter, who insisted the Saracen must start at 10.

“He’s a natural leader and he’s going to be a huge part of that Test side,” he added,. “He’ll need to be fit and firing, because I just feel that it’s a different team when he’s playing.”

2. Maro Itoje (England)

Carter believes Maro Itoje, Farrell’s “fearless” club-mate, will also excel in the Lions’ “big and mobile forward pack” against the Springboks.

"He'll be the guy charging down kicks, making tackle after tackle."

EDITORS PICKS:

All Black legend Dan Carter ranks his five toughest opponents

New Zealand legend and two time Rugby World Cup winner Dan Carter has ranked his five toughest opponents from his incredible rugby career.

Sourcing several Q&A's from down the years, including one with the Independent, here is his top five:

4&5. Brian O'Driscoll & Paul O'Connell (Ireland)

"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."

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3. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

"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.

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2. Schalk Burger (South Africa)

“A real competitor and absolute top bloke off the field as well. His mindset was a little bit different when he was out there competing. That just made him such a tough opponent to come up against.”