2007 RWC All Black: Dan Carter
Dan Carter was born in Canterbury on the 5th of March 1982. He is recognised as one of the best first-fives in world rugby and to date has played in 41 tests scoring a total of 636 test points. He’s been described as a player who possesses a dynamic array of physical and mental skills, including great speed, deceptive strength and a dangerous side-step. After debuting for the Crusaders in 2003 he became an All Black that same year, displaying huge talent at just 21 years old.
What are your favourite places in New Zealand?
I think Queenstown has to be right up there, especially for the whole tourism thing. You’ve got the bungy jump, the Shotover Jet - just the whole vibe of the city, it’s a great place!
In the North Island, I love Tauranga and Mt Maunganui, especially in the summer. Great beaches and the relaxed lifestyle definitely appeal to me.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to relax with friends and family, whether it’s just catching up for a coffee at a café or doing a bit of shopping in Christchurch. That’s where I live and that’s what I enjoy doing.
I also play a bit of cricket, touch rugby and golf. There are heaps of golf courses around Christchurch. I’m extremely lucky; I try and get out at least once a week to have a hit.
Why do you think New Zealand produces such good rugby players?
I guess it’s almost imbedded in you at a young age. When I was growing up, all I wanted to do was play rugby and play for the All Blacks. I used to look up to John Kirwan, Grant Fox, and Andrew Mehrtens and for it to become a reality is a dream come true.
It is the same for a lot of kids in New Zealand. And there are so many accessible grounds where you can throw the ball around and run around as a kid. I guess that’s where you create your skill base when you’re young and as you grow up and things get a bit more serious, you really strive to be the best.
What does the haka mean to you?
I grew up doing the haka in front of the mirror, not really knowing what it meant. But now I’m in the team, it’s pretty special. There’s a lot of tradition and history behind the haka and performing that in front of a country is pretty awesome.
How important is the 2007 World Cup to you?
It’s extremely important. It’s something I’ve been working towards for the last three years. I got a bit of a taste in 2003 at the World Cup, in my first year as a professional rugby player.
I was probably a bit fresh, I didn’t really know what to expect but that gave me a real drive. This year, all the hard work has been done. I‘m just looking forward to doing the best I can for myself…. but more importantly for my teammates.
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