Dan Carter reveals his toughest opponent: "He tried to kill me every time we played"

Wednesday, 05 June 2024 at 07:10

byRugby Rucker

Dan Carter was in Paris for the annual Midi Olympique Oscars and he shared his thoughts of toughest opponents and a player that was underrated even though he ended up winning two World Cups.

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Carter was one of the guests of honour at the ceremony and, before the gongs were handed out, gave some fascinating answers to questions rugby fans love to know. He kicked off by saying a current player he would love to share the pitch with would be Dupont, and many of us would love to see that too.

Asked for his three favourite players in the game, he listed All Blacks legends Jonah Lomu, Richie McCaw and former France captain Thierry Dusautoir. There is a heap of Dusautoir respect in New Zealand for how he inspired Les Bleus to the final of the 2011 World Cup, before they lost the decider to the ABs. On most underrated player, Dan Carter said:

“Conrad Smith. He’s a white battler and an amazing player to play with.”

Up next on the questions hit-list for Dan Carter was the toughest opponent he ever faced off against, from his stints playing for Crusaders, New Zealand, Perpignan, Racing 92 and Kobelco Steelers.

“Schalk Burger was the toughest opponent that I’ve ever played against.” he said. “He tried to kill me, every time we played South Africa.”

DAN CARTER'S DREAM TEAM:

Carter, the all-time leading points scorer in international rugby history, boasts a remarkable 1,598 points from his 112 caps. When you add the additional 1,708 points he contributed to the Crusaders, it becomes clear just how profound his influence on the sport has been.

Although injuries prevented him from participating in the Rugby World Cup in 2007 and 2011, he concluded his Test career on a high note. His exceptional performance in the 2015 final, where he was named Man of the Match, led the All Blacks to a well-deserved victory—a fitting farewell.

Take a look at his rugby dream team, composed of players he's openly expressed his admiration for in interviews below:

FRONT-ROW:

1. Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa)

Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira, a dominant South African prop, earned 117 caps for the Springboks. Known for his powerful scrummaging and relentless work ethic, he played a key role in South Africa's 2019 Rugby World Cup victory. His strength and consistency made him a cornerstone of the pack.

2. Dane Coles (New Zealand)

Coles, dynamic New Zealand hooker, is celebrated for his mobility, ball-handling skills, and leadership. Earning over 80 caps for the All Blacks, he was crucial in the 2015 Rugby World Cup win. Coles' agility and versatility have made him a standout in both domestic and international rugby.

3. Olo Brown (New Zealand)

Brown, esteemed New Zealand prop, was a cornerstone of the All Blacks' front row in the 1990s. Earning 56 caps, he was known for his exceptional scrummaging technique and durability. Brown's contributions were pivotal in establishing a dominant New Zealand forward pack during his era.

SECOND-ROW:

4. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)

O'Connell, iconic Irish lock, is renowned for his towering presence, leadership, and line-out expertise. Earning 108 caps for Ireland, he captained the team and played a key role in multiple Six Nations victories. O'Connell's dedication and impact made him a legend in Irish rugby.

5. Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)

Retallick, formidable New Zealand lock, is celebrated for his physicality, athleticism, and exceptional skill in both set pieces and open play. Earning over 90 caps for the All Blacks, he was instrumental in their 2015 Rugby World Cup triumph. Retallick's versatility and prowess make him one of the best locks in modern rugby.

BACK-ROW:

6. Schalk Burger (South Africa)

Burger, formidable South African flanker, is known for his relentless work rate and fierce tackling. Earning 86 caps, he was instrumental in South Africa's 2007 Rugby World Cup victory. Burger's career is marked by his resilience, physicality, and leadership both domestically and internationally.

Carter on Burger: "“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.”

7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

McCaw, legendary New Zealand flanker, is celebrated for his exceptional leadership and skill. Captaining the All Blacks to two Rugby World Cup titles (2011, 2015), he earned 148 caps. McCaw's intelligence, tireless work ethic, and tactical acumen make him one of rugby's greatest players.

Carter on McCaw: "I learnt a lot from playing alongside my old mate. A real leader and took us to back-to-back World Cups. Thank God I was never on the opposite side!"

8. Thierry Dusautoir (France)

Dusautoir, esteemed French flanker, is renowned for his exceptional defense and leadership. Earning 80 caps, he captained France in the 2011 Rugby World Cup final. Dusautoir's career is highlighted by his remarkable tackling, inspirational presence, and his pivotal role in numerous Six Nations campaigns.

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

HALFBACKS:

10. Jonny Wilkinson (England)

Wilkinson, legendary English fly-half, is best known for his precise kicking and game-winning drop goal in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final. Earning 91 caps for England, his tactical brilliance and defensive tenacity made him a pivotal figure in English rugby and a global icon.

Carter on Wilkinson: "Someone I really looked up to and I tried to have a similar work ethic. The 2005 Lions tour was a bit of a fanboy moment for me."

9. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)

Smith, dynamic New Zealand scrum-half, is celebrated for his rapid service, sharp decision-making, and exceptional passing accuracy. Earning over 100 caps for the All Blacks, he has been instrumental in multiple Rugby Championship victories and the 2015 Rugby World Cup win.

BACK-THREE:

15. Ben Smith (New Zealand)

Smith, versatile and dependable New Zealand rugby back, earned 84 caps for the All Blacks. Known for his exceptional game sense, agility, and reliability under the high ball, he played a crucial role in New Zealand's 2015 Rugby World Cup victory and was a key figure in Super Rugby.

14. Bryan Habana (South Africa)

Habana, South African rugby winger, renowned for his blistering pace and try-scoring prowess. Earning 124 caps, he was pivotal in South Africa's 2007 Rugby World Cup triumph. Habana is one of the top try-scorers in rugby history, celebrated for his speed and finishing ability.

11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

Lomu, iconic New Zealand rugby winger, revolutionized the game with his extraordinary size, speed, and power. Gaining global fame during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, he scored 37 tries in 63 tests for the All Blacks. Lomu's impact on rugby remains unparalleled, making him a true legend.

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)

O'Driscoll, legendary Irish rugby center, captained Ireland and Leinster, earning 141 caps. Renowned for his agility, tactical brilliance, and leadership, he became one of rugby's all-time greats. His career highlights include multiple Six Nations titles and a Heineken Cup victory.

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.”

12. Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)

Nonu, formidable New Zealand rugby center, known for his powerful running and deft offloads. Integral to the All Blacks, he earned 103 caps and won two Rugby World Cups (2011, 2015). His physicality and skill made him a key player in Super Rugby and international arenas.

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