‘I want to be the best’
6 Jul 2010
Dan Carter talks to SA Rugby magazine about his Super 14 struggles, why the All Blacks will pose a serious threat in the Tri-Nations, and his ideal halfback partner.
How’s that Achilles injury?
I’m over it. It was tough being out of the game for five-and-half months, but I believe everything happens for a reason and, in a way, it was good for me. The injury gave me a break from rugby, my first in seven years.
Why did you leave for Perpignan when you were playing so well in New Zealand?
I felt like I would get stale if I played another season for the Crusaders and All Blacks. It’s not good to say, but I needed a fresh challenge. In 2008, Perpignan gave me an opportunity to experience something new and I took the chance to get out of my comfort zone.
Considering you suffered the injury in France, do you regret the move?
Injuries can happen anywhere and at any time. I could’ve torn my Achilles tendon playing for the Crusaders, so no, I don’t regret it. I still enjoyed my stay at Perpignan while I was off the field. The French have a great culture and lifestyle, so it was a good decision.
Has the limelight off the field been a big distraction for you?
At first it was, but it’s my eighth season as a professional so it doesn’t now. I make sure what happens off the field, stays off the field. I want people to take me as a rugby player first and everything else comes second.
How does the European Cup compare to Super Rugby?
It’s tough to judge. The Super 14 is exciting for the spectators with all the tries, but there are so many rivalries in Europe, especially when the European Cup gets to the semi-final stage. The teams play with so much passion, it’s a fantastic competition.
Were you disappointed with your form in this year’s Super 14?
The media criticised me but it was a challenge slotting into a backline where the average age is 23. I was happy with my progress in the earlier rounds but things regressed after the bye [in round seven]. I picked up a hip injury, so that was frustrating as I struggled to regain my form. I’ll play much better as the season goes on.
Many pundits feel your goal-kicking percentage slump is the biggest concern.
It’s something I’m working on and I want to be the best. By striving to be the best goal-kicker, you will get the reward at some stage. Things will get better.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry came out in support of you by saying you are still his first- choice flyhalf. Does that take any pressure off you?
It does a little, but I enjoy having competition for the No 10 jersey. It motivates me. I never take my place in the team for granted and will keep doing the hard work on the field.
There’s a perception that after you, there are no quality New Zealand flyhalves. What’s your take on that?
I disagree. I think Stephen Donald established himself at flyhalf when I was in France and he deserved a place in the team. Although he did suffer a decline in form towards the end of the Super 14, he showed his true potential in the earlier rounds. The future looks good for New Zealand rugby with Stephen Brett [Blues] and Aaron Cruden [Hurricanes] also coming through the ranks.
Who’s your ideal halfback partner at Test level?
I’ve formed a good combination with Jimmy Cowan. He’s a physical type of player and he provides great service. I’ve also formed a good combination with Andy Ellis at the Crusaders. But there’s a lot of competition for the All Blacks No 9 jersey with Brendon Leonard and Piri Weepu on the scene.
Who’s your ideal All Blacks centre pair?
I think Luke McAlister and Ma’a Nonu. The inside centre has to have a good boot and distribution skills but must also be a great ball-carrier. I think Luke fits in well as he’s a big guy and has the skills. Ma’a has good vision and is a major threat with ball in hand.
Do you think the form of New Zealand’s Super 14 teams will have a bearing on the All Blacks?
The New Zealand franchises did have a disappointing Super 14 but I don’t think you can link that to the All Blacks. When you put on that black jersey, it’s something special. You feel like a player on a whole different level. I’m confident the All Blacks will come good this season.
Who do you feel is the best flyhalf in the world on current form?
Matt Giteau. He played extremely well last season and he’s continuing that form at the Brumbies. He’s one talented footballer. Morné Steyn is also one to look out for this season.
What did you think of Steyn’s emergence in the Springbok team last year?
He did very well considering it was his debut season and he made some vital kicks in the Lions tour and Tri-Nations. He leads the team with his boot, but he also showed in the Super 14 that he’s more than just a kicker.
What about Ruan Pienaar at flyhalf?
That’s a tough one. He’s such a natural footballer in any position, whether it’s scrumhalf, flyhalf or fullback. But he could make a great flyhalf. He has the skills, the running game and the boot.
Do you think Butch James could still make an impact for the Boks?
I haven’t seen that much of him recently. But if he’s still that fierce competitor he was when he was at the Sharks, then he can. I remember we were always worried about his physicality before every game.
The Boks won all three Tests against the All Blacks in last year’s Tri-Nations. Did that break the All Blacks’ psychological hold over the Springboks?
The Boks always had challenging times against the All Blacks in the past, so going down 3-0 was tough for us. I guess they can take some confidence out of that, but we weren’t playing well as a team and we had a lot of injuries. We will learn from last season’s mistakes and come out stronger this year.
What’s your take on the new law interpretations?
They’ve helped a great deal with the flow of the game and have made rugby a better spectacle with all the tries. The attacking teams now have some benefits with ball in hand which wasn’t the case last year.
Have the South Africans overtaken the Kiwi teams in terms of attacking flair?
The Australian teams and some of the South African sides adjusted fantastically well during the Super 14. The Kiwi teams were admittedly slow in adapting but I’m sure the All Blacks will thrive under the new law interpretations.
Last year, the Boks played a conservative, yet effective, kick-chase game. How do you think they will play this season?
They did kick a lot last season. But with defence triumphing attack last year, no one wanted to play in their own half and kicked for territory. With the new law interpretations, I think the Boks, like most teams, will keep more ball in hand and kick less.
What did you think of the rotation of the All Blacks coaching duties?
The first change worked very well [when Henry took the forwards and forwards coach Steve Hansen moved to the backline attack]. They’ve reverted to their original positions now, but we will still benefit from it. The coaches work so closely together and they all have input, so it doesn’t really matter who’s in charge of what.
How do you feel about Argentina forming part of the Tri-Nations in 2012?
It’s a great way to freshen up the tournament. Argentina have played very well at Test level and their third-place finish at the last World Cup proves they are a quality side. If they can get their players back from Europe, they will be able to field a great team. Their inclusion will also help make their rugby stronger.
Do you think travelling to South America will be an issue?
Some people are arguing that, but I don’t think it should be. Travelling to other countries is part of the game. I’m sure Sanzar will come up with a suitable solution.
How do you rate the All Blacks’ chances at next year’s World Cup?
We are definitely backing ourselves. We have the team foundation set, we just need to continue building a complete squad. Playing at home will be a big advantage for us, but we have to be consistent. One bad game and you’re out. But from a neutral perspective, I believe it will be a great rugby event.
Will the New Zealand public’s expectation have an effect on the team?
There’s always pressure when it comes to the All Blacks. I guess there will be bigger expectations as we will be in our own backyard. But we can handle it. The players don’t get affected by outside factors.
What do you make of Carl Hayman’s decision not to return to New Zealand for the World Cup?
We would’ve liked to have had him back because he’s a quality tighthead prop. But he obviously had his reasons for staying in Europe and we have to respect that.
Do you think there will be another player exodus to Europe after the World Cup?
There could be. There are guys who will be coming to the end of their careers after the World Cup and some players will want a new challenge. We just have to wait and see how big the demand will be.
Can New Zealand rugby survive another exodus of players?
I’m sure we can. There’s a lot of young talent coming through our Super 14 teams’ ranks. By then, many of the younger players, like Cruden, would have experienced two seasons of Super Rugby, so there will be plenty of depth.
What are your plans for after the World Cup?
I’d love to play my rugby here in New Zealand but it all depends on whether I’m still enjoying it. I had a great time in France and wouldn’t mind going back there. But I will keep my options open for now.
By Gareth Duncan
– This article first appeared in the July issue of SA Rugby magazine.
181 Comments
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6 Jul 2010, 15:36 pm
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-50: Wilkinson did have a stronger pack which aided his decision-making.
It is a very close call between the two.
6 Jul 2010, 15:37 pm
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-44: saw spencer under pressure once catch the ball with his back to the goal line. he kicked the ball over his right shoulder into the hands of the wing who dotted down. not many people can do that
6 Jul 2010, 15:39 pm
@willievz(willievz)-48: Spencer played too loose for test rugby and lost NZ the home match vs England and hence probably the WC. The most important position in the backline imo is 10 (certainly more so than 12), so why make the worlds best 10 into the worlds best 12? That’s dof.
6 Jul 2010, 15:43 pm
@mamma_lou(mamma_lou)-52: Sure, he had the razzle-dazzle, best S12 10 of all time, but at test level, in the close situations he didn’t have the steadying influence. Also his goal kicking sucked, which is a prerequisite in this league, if it weren’t Larkham would be the best 10 of the 00s, he at least did dropkick his side to victory in a WC!!!!
6 Jul 2010, 15:44 pm
@willievz(willievz)-48:
Carter & Spencer as a combo was few and far inbetween.
Carter became an AB in 2002,he was a 12 and Merthens was at 10 that yr.Mauger also shared 12 duty
in 2003-Spencer started at 10 with Mauger at 12,Mauger got injured,Carter played a few games at 12.But Mauger was incumbent 12 at WC & 3N
in 2004-Spencer played some games at 10 along with Carter at 12 where they were abysmal,then Merthens played 10.
That was last of Spencer as an AB in 2004
So not too sure about Spencer/Carter observation as great combo.dont think they played more than 10 games together
6 Jul 2010, 15:45 pm
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-49: yeah the other 2 was brilliant 2, but i prefer little/bunce.
6 Jul 2010, 15:47 pm
@mamma_lou(mamma_lou)-52:
Yeah saw that,He was playing for Northampton
He had the most amazing skillset in the game,could do things no one can or will ever do.
But that was also the problem.
Test rugby is how great players are judged.
And test rugby is not for PARTY-TRICKS
6 Jul 2010, 15:49 pm
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-49:
Horan was a Rugby God, perhaps the best 12 ever.
But I simply didnt rate J.Little much higher than ‘good’.
Hard to go past a combo of Bunce and Little let alone B.Osborne and BJ.Robertson.
6 Jul 2010, 15:51 pm
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-54: its always a tradeoff.
6 Jul 2010, 15:52 pm
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-54:
Larkham was the best 10 of his generation IMHO.Had everything bar kicking for posts.Plus his flat-line/attacking adv. line playing style revolutionalised the game.No one had done it perfection before.He mastered it.Best passer of the ball by a COUNTRY MILE
He didnt have to kick for posts.Burke was a 85% goal kicker at 15.
6 Jul 2010, 15:57 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-58:
Horan is still the benchmark.agreed.
Bunce-physically the most dominating centre(13) ever.
Saw Little/Bunce..as a patnership they are hard to beat.
Never saw Osborne/Robertson…Either I wasnt born yet or black folk hadnt “managed to get exposure” to such priveleges…
6 Jul 2010, 15:59 pm
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-53: Many people will disagree with you regarding the importance of the 12 vis-a-vis the 10, especially because you have less time to make offensive decisions at 12.
The 12 is also arguably more important on defense, especially at the breakdown when he is often the first supporting player on first phase defense. Sure, Carter might have struggled here.
However, one can argue that on offense, it makes more sense to play your best decision-maker at 12 rather than 10 since he would less time to make decisions. You don’t want to leave quick decisions at 12 to a player with less vision and anticipation.
NZ rugby is suffering despite them having one of the best attacking 10s in the world. IMO it is partly because their incumbent 12s cannot make great decisions when put under pressure by probing defensive lines. Their attacking ball loses significant pace when it reaches the outside backs.
6 Jul 2010, 16:00 pm
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-55: True, it is a pity they could not play together more.
6 Jul 2010, 16:12 pm
@willievz(willievz)-62: So you are saying 12 is more important than 10?
6 Jul 2010, 16:15 pm
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-64: Depends on the gameplan. As a combination, the 10 and 12 is extremely important.
6 Jul 2010, 16:15 pm
@willievz(willievz)-62: i disagree. 10 is the decision maker hence the move of carter from 12 to 10 and similar allthough unsuccessful move for guitea
6 Jul 2010, 16:16 pm
@mamma_lou(mamma_lou)-40: Yeah, Reechie “Suarez” McCaw is a bit of a laugh when it comes to talking about revenge
6 Jul 2010, 16:24 pm
@mamma_lou(mamma_lou)-31:
Thank god for that.
6 Jul 2010, 16:25 pm
@mamma_lou(mamma_lou)-66: If you employ a kick-chase gameplan a-la the Boks in 2009, yes your 10 has a greater role in decision making.
But a great decision making 10 helps absolutely zilch if your 12 does not have creative acumen. The decisions of the 10 are usually limited to kicking or passing, while the 12 (also needing to make these decisions) need to collide with defense more often to allow a free flowing phase.
Defensively, the 12 also carries a higher burden.
6 Jul 2010, 16:37 pm
@willievz(willievz)-69: the first receiver is in the best position to make decisions and therefore needs to have a good skillset to execute them
6 Jul 2010, 16:42 pm
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-38:
Du Preez was the premier Bok 9 since 2004. Conradie was good in 2004 and 2005, and Januarie had his moments, but Du Preez was the best in SA, and always a key figure in the Bok team since Jake took over, but it was only in 2007 that many of his critics took note of his abilities. These were the sheep that follow whatever common opinion is held amongst the lower end of spectrum. The same people who wanted Juan out of the team. It took a WC trophy to open their eyes, but Du Preez was peerless as far back as 2004, no other Bok 9 has replicated those performances. take the near loss to NZ in 04, it’s classic Du Preez.
6 Jul 2010, 16:44 pm
@mamma_lou(mamma_lou)-70: I agree there. However, the point I want to highlight is that the 10 does not necessarily make the most important decision on attack. The 12 has a lot less time to make decisions and depending on the field position and number of phase, more decisions.
Also, whether or not the 10 will actually make the most important decisions depend on the quality of players around him and the specific gameplan as I mentioned.
For instance, when FDP is fit, he is the primary decision-maker of both the Bulls and the Boks.
6 Jul 2010, 16:54 pm
@willievz(willievz)-72:
That’s the whole point, isn’t it? The role of 10, 12 and 13, is entirely dependent on the individual skills of those players and the combinations. Carter is always a threat because he can break the line at any point, whilst Wilko wasn’t. BOD, who started out at 12, does a similar job at 13, by providing space for his 12 through his running lines off the ball, that constantly need to monitored.
6 Jul 2010, 16:55 pm
Agreed, the 10-12 combination is very important. Your 10 and 12 with the 13 is where your attacks happen. And that’s what New Zealand have prided themselves on, quality centres with great decision making fly halves. The best 10-12 combination for Nz in the 2000′s has to be Carter-Mauger. It’s no coincidence that Carter’s fall was coupled with the disbanding of this duo. A mistake that I feel really dented NZ’s WC hopes in 07. In 05 and 06 they were lethal to the point of savagery.
WILLIEVZ, that isn’t totally wrong, but the 10 calls the shots outright, the whole complexion of your game hinges on his decisions, the rest are subordinate in that they merely carry out his plan. Whilst Carter has fallen off the wagon, he still has great decision making, and this was the saving grace for the ABs last year, against Wales and australia, his decision making snuffed out the opposition. A great example of what I’m taking about.
About McCaw, Brussow has been notching up better stats in Super rugby for several consecutive years and totally dominated McCaw in every way last year, in fact, Brussow dominated every opponent he faced. Even in the French test where he had no support, made his present strongly felt. How McCaw got the POTY award is a total farce. I also loved how JPP bitched Williams up on the EOYT 08. Put him on his *** several times and literally ripped the ball off him other times. I can’t recall a wing match-up being so one-sided in all my life, LOL. The award doesn’t mean anything to me anymore and has no credibility at all.
6 Jul 2010, 16:55 pm
agreed about 9. but i think 10 makes strategic decisions eg. he decides what team does, gary owen, field position, run etc. 12 then makes decisions based on the initial decisiom by 10. on defence his decisions will be based on the people around him in the context of the system the team employs.
6 Jul 2010, 16:58 pm
@Alucard(Alucard)-74: agreed
6 Jul 2010, 17:01 pm
@Alucard(Alucard)-74: Brussow was my player of 2009.
We are going to miss his influence.
6 Jul 2010, 17:05 pm
Bullshyte, don’t need a good 12 to win a game, Bulls are an excellent example of that.
6 Jul 2010, 17:06 pm
@willievz(willievz)-69: When last did the Boks have a “creative” 12…? And please don’t say JdV…
6 Jul 2010, 17:26 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-79:
That would be Frans. He was a breath of fresh air and offer far more than intercepts. We really need him back there, it is hands down his best position and offers so much balance to the Boks. Every team that has a great 10-12 kicking combination has been dominant, and couple that with his unparalled ability to breach the gainline and do the unexpected, he is a missing link in this Bok squad. Many made rave reviews about de Jongh, but he has looked rather devoid of ideas on attack and is not nearly as solid defensively as Frans, Jean or Olivier, so I’m not happy that he has the inside lane to the 12 jersey. If de Villiers is serious about retaining the WC title, then he needs to humble his stupid pride and get our best players in their best positions, how Joe Petersen and Mapoe slipped through the net truly beggars belief! and de Jongh only qualifies as a reserve 13. It’s all messed up, and just over a year before the World Cup!!
6 Jul 2010, 17:29 pm
@willievz(willievz)-77:
True, but we have the depth on the loose forwards to field a highly formidable combination, so I don’t feel overly concerned. What does concern me is that he may have fallen out of WC selection because of this injury. de Villiers only selected him because he was under pressure to do so, and even then tried several times to replace him with Roussouw.
6 Jul 2010, 18:00 pm
News 24 reckons that, according to the practice lineup, Olivier will start at 12, with Jean on the wing and Kirchener at 15.
6 Jul 2010, 18:02 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-79: Probably Hennie Le Roux.
6 Jul 2010, 18:06 pm
@willievz(willievz)-83:
That’s true, but Adi also played there recently.
6 Jul 2010, 18:21 pm
1997 tri-nations Test at Eden Park on now on ESPNClassic channel 231, henry honiball playing 12…
9. Joost
10. De Beer
12. Honiball
13. Montgomery
6 Jul 2010, 18:22 pm
@David(David)-84: I guess another question would be whether or not a creative 12 would suit the SA strengths…
SA backlines are simply not used to creative 12s on attack, hence the one-dimensional (and sometimes highly effective strategy considering limited time to make decisions) of crashballing the offensive ball up.
6 Jul 2010, 18:30 pm
@Alucard(Alucard)-80: Interesting and valid perspective on Frans Steyn in many ways. Am not so sure about the pigenholing of JdJ. On the contrary I believe at the moment (F Steyn, notwithstanding) that he is the best centre partner for Mossie – to me they have a definite yin and yang (forgive the esoteric moffie description) similar to Du Plessis and Gerber.
@willievz(willievz)-83: Good example… Like JdJ is a good 12 and not 13, Le Roux was a very good 12 and not a 10. Not to say that either are bad in their initial positions. But sometimes in rugger, as in life, you do find yourself in a position where you perform better than in another position that you prefer (Hope that makes sense – far too friggin philosophical).
6 Jul 2010, 18:34 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-85: Looking at your comment got me thinking:
Post ’95 “MVP” Bok backline:
9 FdP
10 Lem
11 Habanero
12 Hennie Le Roux
13 Mossie
14 Small
15 Rolls Royce
Blow me down if anyone says that is a ***** backline…
6 Jul 2010, 18:39 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-88: So I cant say sh.yte – now since when is shy.te an offensive word…
6 Jul 2010, 18:39 pm
joost was to good to leave out
love or hate him@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-88:
6 Jul 2010, 18:43 pm
@sharks_lover(sharks_lover)-90: Close but have to go with FdP, personal taste as a “coach” of this backline – nobody snorts tik on my watch
6 Jul 2010, 18:46 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-91: The closer I look at that team the more I realise how M Steyn would come very close to usurping Lem (Heresy, but there you have it…)
6 Jul 2010, 18:49 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-92: And despite Chester’s heroics, Habanero is my no 1. at 11. Another close call is Small and JPP – but this backline needs one nutter…
6 Jul 2010, 18:58 pm
put Paulse at 14.way better than Small,plus most capped winger in SA history,3rd highest try scorer in Bok history.At his peak there was no better balanced runner in SA & later was cornerstone of outside in/umbrella defense.
6 Jul 2010, 19:05 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-91: hahhaha @ nobody snorts tik on my watch…you’re crazy hg
6 Jul 2010, 19:07 pm
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-94: He’s too “small”…
6 Jul 2010, 19:09 pm
@willievz(willievz)-86:
I suppose it’s a matter to adapting to the available players. As Carter said, a Luke Nonu combo would be his choice, but in Lukes absence the ABs resorted to crashball 12. It’s not as if the Boks have never had creative centres, think Whip, du Plessis and le Roux, it’s just we haven’t produced one in recent years. Since Jake, we now look at 12 as a defensive stop and crashball on attack. I think that PdeV is trying to change that, but he needs the players.
6 Jul 2010, 19:09 pm
small was 5 times the player paulse was
6 Jul 2010, 19:12 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-88:
I see that the best 15 in the world today, is not included.
6 Jul 2010, 19:12 pm
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-94: And what other winger can say they made Lomu their biyatch! I honestly think Lomu had this slight fear of Small… You know that feeling when you meet a sociopath for the 1st time – pretty much like when you meet any garden variety hooker (rugby). James Small – a hooker’s psyche trapped in the Wing position…
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