Daniel Carter announced his retirement from rugby on February 20, bringing down the curtain on what is one of the more decorated careers in the modern game.
The prolific fly-half alluded to a lack of motivation as one of the reasons he’s decided to hang up his boots, which will surely be hard to fill for current and up-and-coming All-Black number 10s.
It was a profound statement from Carter, which answered the question many of his fans had in mind: Why did he not feature even a single time for the Blues upon his return to New Zealand, albeit during a phase where his career was at its twilight stage?
The man can also be forgiven for admitting that he lacked motivation following a near-perfect career where he made himself the measuring stick for the fly-half position when performance and results are the subjects.
More often than not the go-to man for the mighty All Blacks, the 38-year-old’s points tally of 1 598 is the most by any player in Test rugby history.
During his 112 caps for his country, he helped the All Blacks claim back-to-back World Cups in 2011 and 2015.
Carter has also announced the International World Rugby Player of the Year three times and this writer believes that Carter should be the sole holder of the honour. His former captain at the All Blacks, Richie McCaw, also boasts three wins of the honour – albeit having won it unfairly in 2009. The two are the only players who’ve won the prestigious individual award on three occasions.
His record against the All Blacks’ greatest foes, the Springboks, is scary.
Out of all his 19 tests against fellow three-time World Cup winners the Boks, Carter boasts 15 wins and only four defeats – equaling a highly impressive 79 per cent win record.
Three of his four defeats against the Boks were by one, two and three points respectively.
It could’ve been easily been three defeats had Carter completed what seemed like a highly unlikely comeback win for New Zealand in their Tri-Nations tie in Hamilton in 2009 against a star-studded Bok team. He led an unsuccessful comeback rally from 29-12 to the Springboks at one stage of the game to 32-29 to the Boks by the final whistle. The Boks clinched their second title after that match.
The first-receiver made his debut with the Crusaders in 2003, where he won three Super Rugby titles. He stayed with the ‘Saders until the end of his Test career after the 2015 Rugby World Cup final.
Furthermore, his trophy cabinet also includes two Top 14 titles and the Japanese league.
His career also includes a spell with Perpignan between 2008 and 2009. He went on to ply his trade for fellow French side Racing 92 from 2015 to 2018. This preceded a two-season stay with the Kobe Steelers in Japan.
A headline by the Daily Maverick summed it up perfectly: The ONLY opponent who could get Carter was Father Time!
This writer could not have agreed more. Thank you for all the great moments and for never cheating us, Dan.
Humility and leadership lead Carter praises from Boksburg community:
Lukas van der Schyff (Boksburg Rugby Club coach)
“In the modern era, he’s my best 10 of the last 20 years.”
Annarie van der Schyff (Lukas’s wife)
“Everyone’s wife is in love with him.”
Marietta Lombard (Caxton Local Media editor and All Blacks supporter):
“Few players have the skill to remain as calm as DC under pressure. He always seemed to have the world’s time with ball-in-hand – he never looked rushed. He commanded his backline and far too often left the defence second-guessing themselves. His athleticism allowed him to step with ease and hand-off masterfully. His presence on the field was undeniable.”
Cameron Rooi (East Rand United fly-half)
“He had a strong mindset and was very consistent.”
Alvandre Maart (Valke coach)
“The Joost van der Westhuizen of New Zealand rugby in terms of mental toughness. Best attacking 10 ever.”
Henry Pike (Boksburg Rugby Club fly-half)
“When I hear the name Daniel Carter, I do not just think of the best fly-half the game has ever seen. I think of perfection: his attention to detail, his dedication, his work ethic was second to none and that is what stood out for me the most. I have never seen a more calm and collected number 10 under pressure. He definitely has the biggest big-match temperament I have ever seen. Whether it was kicking, running or passing – he was an overall machine.”
Clayton Gindan (former East Rand United fly-half)
“We all know that Dan is the best player and best first-five in the world: a very humble person to everyone. All I can picture is his calmness; he is always chilled on the field. He always made the correct decision, never really missed a kick, stood his man in defence and very dangerous on attack.”
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