Carter names Bok as toughest opponent

Former All Blacks flyhalf Dan Carter says a former Springbok legend “who tried to kill me every time we played” was the toughest opponent he faced.

Famed Springbok hardman Schalk Burger topped Carter’s list of toughest opponents in a playing career that spanned more than a decade at the highest level.

Carter, who won 112 Tests for New Zealand and two World Cups, was asked a series of fan-favourite questions in a recent Q&A and delivered typically honest and insightful answers.

When it came to the most fearsome rival he ever encountered, Carter didn’t hesitate.

“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.”

On Burger, Carter had previously 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.”

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Burger, a World Cup winner in 2007 and one of the most destructive loose forwards of his era, built a reputation for relentless physicality and breakdown dominance, and was a constant and looming danger for opposition playmakers. For many flyhalves facing the Springboks during Burger’s prime, survival was often the primary objective.

Burger was one of three Springboks included in Carter’s Dream Team (see below).

Carter was also asked which current player he would most like to share the field with, and his answer was emphatic – France scrumhalf Antoine Dupont.

Widely regarded as the standout player of the modern era, Dupont’s speed, vision and decision-making make him a dream partner for any No 10.

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Turning to his three greatest players of all time, Carter named an iconic trio in fellow All Blacks Jonah Lomu and Richie McCaw, and former France captain Thierry Dusautoir, who is held in high regard in New Zealand for his inspirational performances during France’s run to the 2011 World Cup final.

As for the most underrated player he played with, Carter singled out former All Blacks centre Conrad Smith – a player whose intelligence, defensive excellence and consistency were vital to New Zealand’s dominance, even if he rarely grabbed headlines.

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Dan Carter’s Dream Team
15. Ben Smith (New Zealand)
14. Bryan Habana (South Africa)
13. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
12. Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
10. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
9. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)
8. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
6. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
5. Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)
4. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
3. Olo Brown (New Zealand)
2. Dane Coles (New Zealand)
1. Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa)

Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images