Dan Carter names Springbok as toughest opponent

Thursday, 20 August 2026 at 20:01

bySteven Smith

All Blacks legend Dan Carter faced some of rugby’s greatest players during his remarkable career – but one Springbok stands among the toughest he ever came up against.

With South Africa and New Zealand preparing to renew their rivalry at Ellis Park this Saturday, Carter’s previous comments on the hardest opponents of his career have resurfaced.

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The clash in Johannesburg opens the new four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, with the Springboks and All Blacks meeting in a full-scale tour series for the first time in 30 years.

Carter knows better than most just how brutal this fixture can be.

The legendary fly-half won 112 caps for New Zealand, scored a record 1,598 Test points and lifted the Rugby World Cup twice.

Across interviews and Q&As down the years, Carter has highlighted a select group of players who gave him the toughest tests.

Here are Dan Carter’s toughest opponents.

6. Thierry Dusautoir – France

Few players caused New Zealand more problems on the biggest stage than Thierry Dusautoir.

The former France captain produced two enormous performances against the All Blacks at the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups.

Carter said: “He had some blinding games in big moments — none more so than in the 2007 and 2011 World Cup games against the All Blacks.”

Dusautoir was later crowned World Rugby Player of the Year in 2011.

4 & 5. Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell – Ireland

Carter couldn't separate two of Ireland's greatest-ever players.

O'Driscoll and O'Connell both faced Carter during their distinguished international careers and also represented the British & Irish Lions.

Carter said: “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.”

3. Jonah Lomu – New Zealand

They might have been international teammates, but Carter also experienced what it was like to line up against the destructive Jonah Lomu.

Carter once recalled attempting to tackle the giant winger when he was just 19.

He said: “I tried to tackle him, woke up five metres back. I actively stayed away from him after that.”

2. Schalk Burger – South Africa

The Springbok who earns a place among Carter's toughest-ever opponents.

Burger was one of the most physical back-rowers of his generation and played a central role in South Africa's 2007 Rugby World Cup triumph.

The flanker faced New Zealand numerous times during an era when the Springboks-All Blacks rivalry produced some ferocious encounters.

Carter said: “A real competitor and absolute top bloke off the field. His mindset when competing made him such a tough opponent.”

Schalk Burger celebrates with Springboks teammate Fourie du Preez during his glittering international career.

It is particularly timely praise with the two nations preparing to collide again this weekend at Ellis Park.

South Africa head into Saturday's showdown having won five of their last six meetings with the All Blacks, including their record 43-10 victory in Wellington.

1. Jonny Wilkinson – England

Taking top spot is another legendary fly-half.

Carter has regularly spoken about the influence Wilkinson had on him, particularly during the early stages of his career.

He said: “Jonny was an absolute student of the game. I remember watching him control a match in Wellington and thinking, ‘If I ever play 10, this is how you do it.’”

Two of the greatest fly-halves rugby has produced – and Carter's admiration for the England icon remains clear.

Pictured is: Jonny Wilkinson poses with his Premiership Rugby Hall of Fame inductee trophy during the Premiership Rugby Hall of Fame Dinner at HonourableArtillery Company - Photo mandatory by-line: Phil Mingo/Pinnacle/Premiership Rugby - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile: 0797 1270 681 - 02/09/2015 - Premiership Rugby Hall of Fame at London's Honourable Artillery Company, London