Dan Carter reveals the one opponent who gave him the toughest time on the pitch
Yesterday at 01:15 AM
All Blacks legend Dan Carter has played against some of the best in the game, but when it comes to naming his toughest-ever opponents, a few names stand out above the rest.
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The rugby icon, who still holds the record for the most points scored in international rugby (1,598), revealed his top six toughest adversaries, including an England World Cup winner, a South African wrecking ball, and a French tackling machine.
Here's who made the cut.
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6. The Tackle Terminator – Thierry Dusautoir (France)
The French flanker was an absolute menace on the pitch, famously making 38 tackles in one match against the All Blacks at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. He captained France to the 2011 final and was named World Rugby Player of the Year that same year.
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."
4 & 5. The Irish Enforcers – Brian O'Driscoll & Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
Carter couldn't split these two Irish legends. O'Driscoll, one of the best centres of all time, racked up 141 caps and led Ireland to a Grand Slam in 2009. Meanwhile, O'Connell was a dominant force in the second row, known for his brutal physicality and leadership for both Ireland and the Lions.
Carter said: "Two giants of the game. Their work rate and how they conducted themselves on and off the pitch was exemplary."
3. The Human Bulldozer – Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
The man who changed rugby forever. At 6'5" and over 120kg, Lomu ran like a sprinter and hit like a truck. He was unstoppable in full flight, scoring 15 tries across two World Cups and leaving defenders in his wake.
Carter said: "I played against him once when I was 19. I tried to tackle him, woke up five metres back. I actively stayed away from him after that."
2. The Breakdown Beast – Schalk Burger (South Africa)
One of the hardest-hitting flankers in history. The Springbok enforcer was known for his fearless tackling and relentless work at the breakdown, playing a key role in South Africa's 2007 World Cup triumph.
Carter said: "A real competitor and absolute top bloke off the field. His mindset when competing made him such a tough opponent."
1. The Drop Goal King – Jonny Wilkinson (England)
The ultimate fly-half perfectionist. Wilkinson's famous drop goal in 2003 won England their first and only Rugby World Cup, and his relentless work ethic made him one of the best No.10s of all time.
Carter said: "Jonny was an absolute student of the game. I remember watching him control a match in Wellington and thinking, 'If I ever play 10, this is how you do it.'"
Wilkinson tops the list, but every one of these players gave Carter a battle he'll never forget.
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