‘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
Pages: « 1 2 [3] 4 » Show All
6 Jul 2010, 19:13 pm
@David(David)-99: Kearney, unfortunately is not a Saffer, but I still would go with Juba, nevertheless
6 Jul 2010, 19:14 pm
Chesters support play and work rate was amazing. By far the most intelligent wing we’ve had in a long time.
6 Jul 2010, 19:18 pm
good luck for 2night Holland!!! … mr jan van riebeeck must be smiling from the heaven …. cape town owes you guys one
6 Jul 2010, 19:21 pm
@David(David)-102: Chester is a legend, no doubt, but even legends struggle to make the grade for this backline….
6 Jul 2010, 19:23 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-100:
Michael du Plessis was a bit like that. He used to scream at a player he was attacking, on both attack and defence.
6 Jul 2010, 19:26 pm
My loosie trio post 95:
Simple choice:
Teich, Ruben, Venter
Locks:
Simple choice:
Matfield, Bakkies
Front Row:
Os, Barney, Balie (Now that should have some disagreement, the others are straightforward)
6 Jul 2010, 19:30 pm
@David(David)-105: lol, he was honestly mad, by all accounts, that bugger – but with Gerber – yin and yang!
Talking about Gerber, there is no side past or present, Bok or not, that would not make room for him at 13… full stop.
6 Jul 2010, 19:33 pm
All time Boks :
Joubert
Carel Dup
Danie G
Manietjies Roux
Ray Mordt
Naas
Joost
Wynand C
Kruger
Venter
Matfield
Bakkies/Andrews
Os
Uli
Balie
6 Jul 2010, 19:34 pm
oops forgot about oom Frik
6 Jul 2010, 19:35 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-107:
A friend of mine was his lecturer at Tygerberg Dental School. He reckoned that he was under enormous pressure to pass Michael so that he would stay at Maties, even though he was as thick as a plank academically. Hans just hoped he’d never go into private practice!
6 Jul 2010, 19:36 pm
No place for Aplon, de Jongh
2010-07-06 17:40Email | Print
Gio Aplon (Gallo Images)
Adnaan Mohamed
Auckland – Two of South Africa’s most exciting young backline talents Gio Aplon and Juan de Jongh will not be in the Springbok starting line-up in the Tri-Nations Test match against New Zealand at Eden Park on Saturday.
Zane Kirchner, Jean de Villiers, Jaque Fourie, Wynand Olivier, Bryan Habana, Morné Steyn, Ricky Januarie, Pierre Spies, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Jannie du Plessis, John Smit (captain) and Gurthrö Steenkamp.
I like this side!!! bar january
6 Jul 2010, 19:38 pm
Here is my Legend backline:
9. Edwards
10. Lem
11. Lomu
12. Horan
13. Gerber
14. Kirwan
15. Blanco
Beat that backline. On a roll tonight (Lack of the boot the only weakness and maybe a bit flimsy on “D”, but any other backline could almost just give up on trying to prevent this side from scoring)
6 Jul 2010, 19:41 pm
@makethecirclesbigger(makethecirclesbigger)-111:
He also reckoned that Butch and Pienaar would be on the bench, which means Ruan is covering 9, not 10. I wonder where Hougaard is in PdeVs plans?
6 Jul 2010, 19:42 pm
@David(David)-110: Your mate not go by the nick ET ?
sheez, some of us already distrust dentists intensely… heebeejeebees…
6 Jul 2010, 19:42 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-112:
Barry John in place of Lem. Then everything’s covered.
6 Jul 2010, 19:43 pm
@makethecirclesbigger(makethecirclesbigger)-111: I said it before to SL who psted that earlier: f.cksakes if that is the Bok backline…
6 Jul 2010, 19:48 pm
I’d play JDV in place of WO and play Aplon on the wing
Zane
Aplon
Mossie
JDV
Habana
Steyn January
6 Jul 2010, 19:49 pm
@David(David)-115: Lem would eat BJ for breakfast, whether BJ tries to give a sidestep, twinkle toes dash, or whether Lem decides to take the ball up… BJ will not stop my Lem from releasing a pass out of the tackle to:
1. Lomu or Kirwan off the blindside wing
2. Horan off the shoulder
3. None of the above…BJ just crumples on the turf after coming left against Honiballs knobbly knees
This backline is the patented HG first phase strikeforce !
6 Jul 2010, 19:50 pm
@makethecirclesbigger(makethecirclesbigger)-117: aye
6 Jul 2010, 19:52 pm
@makethecirclesbigger(makethecirclesbigger)-117:
I think PdeVs worried about stopping Joe. Besides, he wants the most experienced players on the park for the first game, same as GH.
6 Jul 2010, 19:52 pm
@makethecirclesbigger(makethecirclesbigger)-117: Eish… Don’t know.
6 Jul 2010, 19:53 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-118:
Nah, pure class versus an artisan.
6 Jul 2010, 20:02 pm
@David(David)-122: In a backline full of ego’s Lem is the perfect fit – the ultimate selfless playmaker…
Now this is my backline – it reflect the HG character – perfect…
6 Jul 2010, 20:07 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-123:
If perfect means a thug at 10 and 15, then I see what you mean about your character.
6 Jul 2010, 20:08 pm
Sorry, that should have been 10 and wing.
6 Jul 2010, 20:08 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-112: legend indeed
6 Jul 2010, 20:17 pm
@David(David)-97:
de Villiers is a proven flop with regards to attacking play, the entire core of his understanding of backline play is flawed. You could give him the greatest backline in history and he’d still screw it up. Muir and Div don’t have the slightest clue. It’s interesting to note that under Jake we averaged over 20 points in every game bar a few results and had far more sting on attack. Under de Villiers we are far more one dimensional, but with a weaker defence. All we have now is Du Preez’s boot and our lineout, granted our breakdown superiority has improved markedly since the addition of Brussow, but that has more to do with the players wising up at Super rugby level. I don’t buy this nonsense that de Villiers is moving us into a better direction. The team Jake left behind was better than the team it has become. Poor player management, selection, tactics and coaching has robbed the Boks of the potential it should have achieved. Mark my words, we will not defend our title, we won’t even reach the final. I see another ’99 happening, but with a greater implosion as the one dimensional Boks are shown up with greater consistency as the WC approaches.
6 Jul 2010, 20:19 pm
@David(David)-125: Both wings are gentlemen off the field and try scoring machines on… Farklol Lem would have a chuckle at that descriptin of himself
…Lem a thug… lolll
@mamma_lou(mamma_lou)-126: Thank you kind sir. Care to put together an opposing backline…?
6 Jul 2010, 20:26 pm
@David(David)-120:
Sometimes you have to sacrifice a game for the bigger picture. Like I said, it’s now three years de Villiers has had to develop this squad, and if he had ear marked talented players and brought them into the system from the start we wouldn’t be in the position we are in. But now we are going to need to gamble to blood some players, like in 2006, only difference is de Villiers has had the right players available from the start of his tenure, and most pick themselves. Joe Petersen has been begging for a cap since early last year, Flip should have been blooded this year, Mapoe should have been in last EOYT, we’ve had far too many 9s knocking on the door… all of which have been shunned. If you listed the players that de Villiers has wasted his and our time with you’ll see that it’s most of his selections. So much wasted time, and it’s going to cost us big in the end. Too pig headed to do the right thing and put the Boks before his own ego. Where is JL Potgieter? Why did we wait so long for BJ Botha? Why stuff Smit around at tighthead? Why not back Ruan? why this resistance in selecting specialist players in their best positions? Far more important that getting one over New Zealand, we need to establish the strongest core group of players this year, and then carefully manage them from now until the WC, easing the work load on the spine of the team. It didn’t have to be this way, but this is the way it is because of de Villiers, now he has to deal with it, or continue bumbling along.
6 Jul 2010, 20:29 pm
@David(David)
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-114:
Hey! there are many medical students esp. UOFS and UP that were carried like that when they long toured the Antipodes, even Chris Pope of UCT.
6 Jul 2010, 20:30 pm
Lem was a hard man and a grafter, but a drastically overrated player. Kind of like Martin Johnson, who mean far more to England than anyone else, so to Lem was far more to us than everyone else. Compare him to the likes of Mehrtens, Larkham et al and he doesn’t come off too well at all. Not to say that he was rubbish, just that a balanced perspective is required.
6 Jul 2010, 20:32 pm
@makethecirclesbigger(makethecirclesbigger)-117:
I know it’s a gamble playing Aplon, but if we had a coaching team that could get the most out of our attacking players, I’d select him in a heartbeat. His ability to scyth through opponents is unbelievable! That’s x-factor, funny how non of the players Div rates has it LOL.
6 Jul 2010, 20:32 pm
I stole some time and risked speeding tickets to get here on time(75 in a 50 zone) in a freaking heatwave in the North East.
Later today it could reach 100 deg. F in Central Park NYC.
6 Jul 2010, 20:50 pm
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-19: think it’s their tight five that’s the issue, they’re getting out-muscled up front at S14 level and can’t clear out rucks properly.
6 Jul 2010, 20:56 pm
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-94:
Agree entirely.
You have clarity in opinion. A rarity in these parts.
6 Jul 2010, 21:04 pm
Busy watching the SWC, so I’ll comment later. At least the Dutch are winning.
6 Jul 2010, 23:14 pm
Thank goodness the cheats are out. The dirtiest team in the WC, and what a hack job that game against SA was. Bafana were reffed out of the game. And Ghana are a better side than both Holland and Urugay, but at least we are down to three good teams. Justice was done with that second goal, how does it feel boys? LMAO!!!! What goes around… comes around, and bites you in the rear. Have a nice flight muchacha’s
6 Jul 2010, 23:43 pm
The women and beer must have been great in France because Carter hardly played any rugby there…
7 Jul 2010, 03:43 am
Dan is the best
7 Jul 2010, 03:45 am
Morne is a little girl
7 Jul 2010, 04:08 am
Dan, you can’t be the best. Morne Steyn has that position stitched up my friend.
The fact that he rates Giteau just shows how much Carter knows… Giteau kills anything in the backline with his selfish play.
7 Jul 2010, 04:08 am
I see the two trolls are out and about today. Must have left the door open in little hobbit lands luny bin
7 Jul 2010, 04:15 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-141: I saw Morne run one time
7 Jul 2010, 04:18 am
@Waster(Waster)-143:
Past two Crusaders players to score under the polls……….
7 Jul 2010, 04:20 am
@whatever(whatever)-144: Yeah, would never have got through in chiefs or bay plenty land
7 Jul 2010, 04:20 am
@Kobus Kitty(Kobus Kitty)-141:
You mean 1 year old Morne is the best now??
You must be joking,Dan has been around the best in the world for a long time now.Of course he hsant been the best in the world all those years but you cant put Morne in the same class until he gets a few consistent years of internationals. Thats the way i see it.
By the way Carter knows a lot more about rugby than you do. If Carter rates Giteau and you dont,guess who 99.9% of the world would listen to,wouldnt be some farmer in South Africa
7 Jul 2010, 04:21 am
I saw the AB’s attempt a drop kick once…….think it was in the 2007 WC QF……… ahh no, just kidding they ran the ball……. and ? Well we all know don’t we?
7 Jul 2010, 04:22 am
@whatever(whatever)-147: Ha ha yeah wasn’t it a north harbour player?
7 Jul 2010, 04:22 am
@Waster(Waster)-145:
remind me of the Bulls v Chiefs score again?
Take your pick, this year or last year
7 Jul 2010, 04:25 am
@whatever(whatever)-149: Can’t remember, bulls cheated from memory, suzy was there
Pages: « 1 2 [3] 4 » Show All
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.