"Amazing player" - Dan Carter named the most underrated rugby player of all-time

Rugby News

by Rugby Rucker

Friday, 06 February 2026 at 23:45

byRugby Rucker

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

Dan Carter didn’t disappoint when it came to dishing out answers to the sort of questions rugby fans love most.

Asked which current player he’d most like to share the field with, Carter didn’t hesitate — Antoine Dupont. Fair call. You’d struggle to find a rugby fan who wouldn’t pay good money to see that partnership in action.

Watch the Guinness Six Nations at your local Greene King sports pub.

When pressed on his three favourite players of all time, Carter reeled off an all-time great list: Jonah Lomu, Richie McCaw and former France skipper Thierry Dusautoir. There’s long been huge respect in New Zealand for Dusautoir, particularly for the way he inspired Les Bleus all the way to the 2011 World Cup final, where they came within a whisker of toppling the All Blacks.

On the subject of the most underrated player he ever played with, Carter singled out a man who quietly did the dirty work during one of the most dominant eras in rugby history.

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

Not bad praise from a man who shared the backline with more than a few legends.

Dan Carter on his toughest opponent

Finally, Carter was asked the question every fly-half dreads — who was the toughest opponent he ever faced across spells with the Crusaders, the All Blacks, Perpignan, Racing 92 and Kobelco Steelers?

His answer was immediate.

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

Hard to argue with that. If you were a No.10 playing the Springboks in Burger’s prime, you were guaranteed a long afternoon.

Classic Carter — classy, honest, and still delivering great value long after hanging up the boots.

Dan Carter dream team

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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.

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