Dan Carter reveals the one Springbok star that scared him during his career
Rugby NewsThursday, 19 June 2025 at 20:29
Dan Carter, the highest points scorer in international rugby history, has shared his list of the toughest opponents he ever faced.
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The former All Blacks fly-half, with 1,598 points from 112 caps and two Rugby World Cups under his belt, gave us a peek at the warriors who defined his incredible career.
From fierce Q&As, including one with
The Independent, Carter revealed the top five adversaries who pushed him to his limits — and some surprise names made the cut.
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#6 Thierry Dusautoir — The Tackle Machine
Flanker | Former France Captain
Thierry Dusautoir was a tackling beast with a heart of gold — and a French legend. His 38-tackle blitz in the 2007 World Cup quarterfinal still echoes in rugby folklore. Not just a defensive wall but a leader who almost stole World Cup glory from the All Blacks in 2011.
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."
"He had some blinding games in big moments — none more so than in the 2007 and 2011 World Cup games against the All Blacks."
Thierry Dusautoir Facts (Because Tackle Records Matter)
- Holds the record for most tackles in a single Rugby World Cup match (38 tackles in 2007)
- Captained France 35 times, leading them to a World Cup final in 2011
- Named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2011 — a nod to his dominance
- Retired as one of France’s most admired rugby warriors
#4 & 5 Brian O'Driscoll & Paul O'Connell — The Irish Titans
Brian O'Driscoll — The Magician in Green
BOD’s silky runs and pinpoint passes made him a nightmare for defenders. A true Irish hero, whose leadership and wit lit up pitches and press conferences alike.
BOD’s silky runs and pinpoint passes made him a nightmare for defenders. A true Irish hero, whose leadership and wit lit up pitches and press conferences alike.
Paul O'Connell — The Towering Enforcer
If rugby had a fortress, it would be Paul O’Connell. Master of the line-out and a skipper who led by example — tough, smart, and utterly relentless.
If rugby had a fortress, it would be Paul O’Connell. Master of the line-out and a skipper who led by example — tough, smart, and utterly relentless.
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."
"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."
Brian O'Driscoll Fun Facts (Because Who Doesn’t Love BOD?)
- Secret Manchester United fanboy with a soft spot for Mark Hughes
- Comes from rugby royalty: dad Frank earned two caps for Ireland; uncle Barry won four
- Famous for: “Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.”
- Played 141 internationals (133 for Ireland, 8 for Lions)
- Player of the Tournament in 2006, 2007, and 2009 Six Nations
- Ended career with Leinster’s 2014 Pro12 Grand Final win at the RDS
Paul O'Connell Facts (The Irish Wall)
- Earned 108 caps for Ireland and captained the Lions on three tours
- Known for his line-out genius and bulldozing tackles
- Key figure in Ireland’s 2009 Six Nations Grand Slam
- Retired in 2015 but remains a beloved rugby ambassador
- Famous for his leadership, discipline, and booming voice on the pitch
#3 Jonah Lomu — The Rugby Juggernaut
Winger | The Original Beast
Lomu was a wrecking ball on cleats. The giant who sprinted like lightning and left defenders grasping at air. If rugby had a superhero, Jonah was it.
Carter said:
"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. I actively stayed away from him after that. He changed the game of rugby."
"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. I actively stayed away from him after that. He changed the game of rugby."
Lomu Legends (You Can’t Make This Stuff Up)
- 120kg speed demon who could clock 10.8 seconds for 100m
- Had his own McDonald’s burger (yes, really)
- TIME magazine’s only rugby cover star
- Leeds were reportedly keen to sign him in 2001
- Played 63 tests for the All Blacks, scoring 37 tries
- Helped New Zealand win the 2001 Rugby World Cup Sevens
#2 Schalk Burger — The Human Bulldozer
Flanker | Springbok Steel
If you wanted a nightmare on the pitch, Schalk Burger was it. Known for punishing tackles and an iron will, he battled back from injuries that would have ended most careers.
Carter said:
"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. Probably the only player who scared me on the rugby pitch."
"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. Probably the only player who scared me on the rugby pitch."
Schalk Burger Facts (Toughness Overload)
- Named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2004
- Key player in South Africa’s 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning squad
- Overcame a life-threatening infection in 2013 to return to top rugby
- Played 86 tests for the Springboks between 2003–2016
- Known for his brutal tackles and dominance at the breakdown
#1 Jonny Wilkinson — The Mastermind of the Drop Goal
Fly-half | England Legend
Wilkinson’s drop goal in 2003 is rugby’s equivalent of a mic drop. The precise, relentless fly-half who controlled games with ice-cold nerves and pinpoint accuracy.
Carter said:
"Probably because I held him in such high regard and had a huge amount of respect for him, it was Jonny Wilkinson.
"Probably because I held him in such high regard and had a huge amount of respect for him, it was Jonny Wilkinson.
"He was an absolute student of the game. It was a wild, windy test match down in Wellington, I was on the bench and I hadn’t played a test match for the All Blacks, and he just took that game and, as a 10 that wants to control a game, I’ve never seen anything like it.
"I got the best seats in the house on the bench. Part of me was going, ‘Man, do I really want to get on here because he’s just completely dominating this game.’ Thankfully I didn’t. I made my test debut the following week, which was a much better game to remember, but I just remember sitting there going, ‘If I ever do play 10’ – I was playing 12 a lot then – ‘this is how you need to control a game.’
"I had a huge amount of respect for him and playing against him."
Jonny Wilkinson Facts (Precision Personified)
- Scored over 1,200 international points — a record for England
- Famous for the winning drop goal in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final
- Played for Toulon late in his career, winning multiple European titles
- Known for obsessive preparation and focus
- Retired in 2014 after a career spanning nearly 15 years
Can You Name These 10 Legendary British & Irish Lions?
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