Dan Carter names the greatest fly-halves of all-time

Thursday, 19 March 2026 at 19:32

byRugby Rucker

“I tried to tackle him at 19—woke up five meters back. He changed rugby forever.”

Dan Carter has ignited discussion after participating in a “Winner Stays On” challenge, where he was tasked with choosing between some of the best fly-halves in the modern era.

In an interview with

Midi Olympique, the New Zealand legend was presented with head-to-head matchups of elite No.10s and asked to select his preferred playmaker, with each winner progressing to take on the next contender.

Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.

Farrell dominates early rounds

Carter kicked things off by choosing between Owen Farrell and Finn Russell — and the England skipper swept that one with ease. Farrell then dispatched the hugely gifted Matthieu Jalibert before facing what Carter felt was a far trickier task: Romain Ntamack. Still, the Saracens man edged the young French superstar.

‘Maybe in five or 10 years time’

“Oh my god, the future or the legend himself? It’s hard but I’m going to go on experience. What Owen Farrell has done in an England jersey is incredible.

“Maybe in five or 10 years, Ntamack will be in the same conversation.”

O’Gara ends Farrell’s run

Next up was an Irish legend. Farrell squared off against Ronan O’Gara — and that’s where his streak ended, though Carter admitted his decision wasn’t exactly neutral.

“I’ve got to go with my mate ROG, he would kill me,” Carter laughed. “He would be straight on the phone and ring me if I don’t choose him. He’s a points-scoring legend.”

O’Gara also triumphed in the all-Ireland showdown with Johnny Sexton.

“Geez, there’s a bit of rivalry there, but I have to go with my mate ROG again.”

Beauden Barrett sweeps past O’Gara

But the La Rochelle boss met his match when Beauden Barrett appeared on the other side of the bracket.

“Picking an All Black over an Ireland player, it’s not fair. Beaudy lives just down the road from me so he might come knocking on my door if I pick Ronan over Beauden, so I will go Beaudy.”

Barrett vs Larkham: a classic matchup

Barrett then faced an enormous challenge in Wallabies great Stephen Larkham, the heartbeat of Australia’s 1999 World Cup triumph. Still, Carter’s patriotism shone through.

“Stephen Larkham’s right there and I had a lot of good rivalries against Stephen Larkham. He was awesome.

“They both played 15 as well, so both really versatile and could play 10 or 15. It’s hard not to pick a New Zealander, I’m a pretty patriotic person, so I will go Beaudy.”

Does Carter pick himself?

When asked if he’d choose himself over Barrett, the famously humble Carter didn’t entertain it, leaving Barrett to move on to the final clash — a showdown with Jonny Wilkinson.

Wilkinson takes the crown

It didn’t take long for Carter to make the call.

“I would have to go Jonny. He was just someone I aspired to be like and someone I really respected, so Jonny Wilkinson,” he said.

“You deliberately put that last otherwise he would have been there most of the time! He was an awesome player.”

Dan Carter Has Picked His Greatest-Ever XV… Wow

Now, Carter has revealed his Dream Team of players he admires and respects, combining past teammates and opponents who inspired him throughout his career.

FRONT ROW

1. Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa)

Known as “The Beast,” Mtawarira earned 117 Test caps for South Africa. A powerhouse in the scrum, his physicality and leadership were vital to the Springboks’ success during his era.

2. Dane Coles (New Zealand)

Dynamic and skillful, Coles earned 84 caps for the All Blacks. Renowned for his ball-handling, mobility, and work ethic, he was a key figure in New Zealand’s dominant 2010s run.

3. Olo Brown (New Zealand)

Brown earned 52 caps and was celebrated for his scrummaging strength and imposing physical presence, forming the backbone of New Zealand’s front row in the 1990s.

SECOND ROW

4. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)

Ireland legend O’Connell captained his country to a Six Nations Grand Slam and earned 108 Test caps. His line-out dominance and relentless tackling made him a central figure in Ireland’s golden era.

5. Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)

One of the finest locks of his generation, Retallick has 132 caps for the All Blacks. His athleticism, line-out skill, and physical presence were pivotal to New Zealand’s 2015 World Cup triumph.

BACK ROW

6. Schalk Burger (South Africa)

Burger’s 86 Test caps saw him become one of rugby’s most feared flankers. Known for his leadership and tenacity, he was crucial to South Africa’s 2007 World Cup victory.

Carter on Burger: “A real competitor and absolute top bloke off the field. He was tough to play against.”

7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

With 148 caps, McCaw is arguably the best openside flanker ever. His leadership helped New Zealand secure two Rugby World Cups (2011 & 2015).

Carter on McCaw: “I learned so much from playing alongside him. A real leader who took us to back-to-back World Cups.”

8. Thierry Dusautoir (France)

Dusautoir captained France 56 times and earned 80 caps. His work rate and consistency made him a standout in France’s near-miss 2011 World Cup campaign.

Carter on Dusautoir: “He had some blinding games in big moments, especially against the All Blacks.”

HALFBACKS

9. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)

Smith’s 118 caps as a scrum-half made him indispensable to the All Blacks. His vision and quick service helped control the pace of countless matches.

10. Jonny Wilkinson (England)

Wilkinson earned 91 caps and is famed for his drop goal that won England the 2003 World Cup. His dedication and kicking prowess made him a true rugby warrior.

Carter on Wilkinson: “I really looked up to him and tried to emulate his work ethic. The 2005 Lions tour was a fanboy moment for me.”

CENTRES

12. Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)

Nonu’s powerful running and line-breaking ability made him one of New Zealand’s most feared midfielders. With 103 caps and two World Cup wins, his impact was immense.

13. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)

O’Driscoll, with 133 caps, is considered one of the best centres in rugby history. Known for his intelligence, leadership, and defensive skill, he captained Ireland to the 2009 Grand Slam.
Carter on O’Driscoll: “He and O’Connell were giants of the game, on and off the pitch.”

BACK THREE

11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

Lomu’s 63 tries in 73 Tests redefined the wing position. His pace and power left a lasting legacy, especially from the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Carter on Lomu:

14. Bryan Habana (South Africa)

Habana scored 67 tries in 124 Tests, becoming one of the most electrifying wingers ever. His speed and finishing helped South Africa lift the 2007 World Cup.

15. Ben Smith (New Zealand)

A versatile back capable of playing fullback or wing, Smith earned 94 caps. His timing and skill were crucial to New Zealand’s backline, especially during the 2015 World Cup.

Test Your Rugby Knowledge: Top 17 Point Scorers Quiz

Whether they dominated with ice-cool penalty kicks, pinpoint conversions, or electrifying tries, these players have made their mark on the game.

You’ve got four minutes on the clock—can you list them all? Grab a pen, set the timer, and let’s see if you’ve got what it takes to ace this ultimate rugby challenge!