4. Thierry Dusautoir – France
Position: Flanker
Caps: 80
Test career: 2006–2015
“A menace”
Few players caused the All Blacks more problems on the biggest stage than Thierry Dusautoir.
McCaw said: “Over the years I’ve played him a few times and you always know he’s there. He was always pretty big defensively and in the breakdown area. A menace.”
Carter also singled out the Frenchman’s ability to produce his best rugby when the pressure was greatest.
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.”
Dusautoir was instrumental in France’s famous 2007 World Cup quarter-final victory over New Zealand before captaining Les Bleus against the All Blacks in the 2011 final.
3. Jonny Wilkinson – England
Position: Fly-half
Caps: 91 for England, six for the British & Irish Lions
Test career: 1998–2011
“The closest thing I’ve seen to the perfect rugby player”
This was where Carter delivered perhaps the biggest compliment of all.
The two fly-halves were regularly compared during their careers, but Carter had no hesitation in acknowledging Wilkinson’s greatness.
Carter said: “You might have heard of him? Former England captain and Toulon player Jonny is probably the closest thing I’ve seen to the perfect rugby player.”
McCaw was similarly complimentary.
McCaw said: “He’ll go down as one of the greats of world rugby.”
Wilkinson famously kicked England to World Cup glory in 2003, landing the match-winning drop goal against Australia in extra-time.
His obsessive preparation, defensive commitment and remarkable accuracy from the tee established him as one of rugby’s greatest-ever fly-halves.
He later enjoyed a stunning second act with Toulon, helping the French giants win back-to-back European titles before retiring in 2014.
DID YOU KNOW? Wilkinson’s brother Mark also played professional rugby, representing Newcastle Falcons alongside him.