“My toughest opponent” – Dan Carter named his all-time dream team

Saturday, 28 October 2023 at 16:48

byRugby Rucker

The players selected by Dan Carter for his Dream Team could triumph over any rugby squad from any era.

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)
2. Dane Coles (New Zealand)
3. Olo Brown (New Zealand)

SECOND-ROW:

4. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
5. Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)

BACK-ROW:

6. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
8. Thierry Dusautoir (France)

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.”

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."

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!"

HALFBACKS:

10. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
9. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)

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."

BACK-THREE:

15. Ben Smith (New Zealand)
14. Bryan Habana (South Africa)
11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

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."

Bryan Habana of South Africa gives the thumbs up after his side wins the Bronze final during the Rugby World Cup Bronze Final match between Argentina and South Africa at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Oct 30th 2015 in London - Photo mandatory by-line: Graeme Truby/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - SPORT - International Rugby

CENTRES:

13. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
12. Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)

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.”