All Black Dan Carter scores historic goal
01 Dec 2010
Kiwi rugby legend Dan Carter has become the leading points-scorer in test rugby having broken the world record during the All Blacks’ game against Wales in Cardiff.
The 28-year-old New Zealand first five-eighths superseded England’s No 10, Johnny Wilkinson to become a clear leader with 1,188 points.
He set the record after scoring 12 points in the game against Wales which the All Blacks won, 37-25. Carter said he was proud to have reached the milestone but also disappointed after missing four kicks in the first half of the game.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry paid tribute to the "unstoppable genius" of Carter, who is from Canterbury in the South Island and made his international rugby debut in 2003.
All Black winner
Dan Carter broke the record having played eight fewer internationals than Wilkinson and has an average of more than 15 points per test in his 79 appearances.
As well as praising Carter’s achievement, Henry reiterated his importance to the All Blacks team saying he was the navigator and a very astute player.
"He is world class and is perhaps the best number 10 in the world right now. He kicks well under pressure, he has a lot of composure and he has won lots of games for the All Blacks.
Henry said it was Richie McCaw who captained the ship but Carter who navigated it. "That combination is pretty special, and he is a special player," he said.
Milestone moment
Carter said he was proud of reaching the milestone and had not considered getting to that point.
"It is something that is pretty special, a real achievement, and I give a lot of tributes to my team-mates for giving me the opportunities to get so many points. It's all about the team, and I am just very fortunate to be part of a very special team like the All Blacks.
"Looking back it's a very proud moment. I know my Dad's really happy with it. I pay a lot of tribute to him because that’s where it all started and to all the kicking coaches that have helped me along the way."
Dan Carter - All Black
Dan Carter was born in Canterbury, and made his provincial debut for Canterbury in 2002, then the following year was selected to play for the Crusaders in the Super 12 competition.
He made his All Blacks debut aged 21, in Hamilton, where he scored 20 points against Wales. Since then the All Blacks have only lost nine games when Carter has been playing.
As well as leading rugby union Test point scorer in the world he is also the top scorer in Super 12/14 rugby history.
More information
Dan Carter on New Zealand
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