Dan Carter has ignited discussion after participating in a “Winner Stays On” challenge, where he was tasked with choosing between some of the best fly-halves in the modern era.
In an interview with Midi Olympique, the New Zealand legend was presented with head-to-head matchups of elite No.10s and asked to select his preferred playmaker, with each winner progressing to take on the next contender.
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Farrell dominates early rounds
Carter kicked things off by choosing between Owen Farrell and Finn Russell — and the England skipper swept that one with ease. Farrell then dispatched the hugely gifted Matthieu Jalibert before facing what Carter felt was a far trickier task: Romain Ntamack. Still, the Saracens man edged the young French superstar.
‘Maybe in five or 10 years time’
“Oh my god, the future or the legend himself? It’s hard but I’m going to go on experience. What Owen Farrell has done in an England jersey is incredible.
“Maybe in five or 10 years, Ntamack will be in the same conversation.”
O’Gara ends Farrell’s run
Next up was an Irish legend. Farrell squared off against Ronan O’Gara — and that’s where his streak ended, though Carter admitted his decision wasn’t exactly neutral.
“I’ve got to go with my mate ROG, he would kill me,” Carter laughed. “He would be straight on the phone and ring me if I don’t choose him. He’s a points-scoring legend.”
O’Gara also triumphed in the all-Ireland showdown with Johnny Sexton.
“Geez, there’s a bit of rivalry there, but I have to go with my mate ROG again.”
Beauden Barrett sweeps past O’Gara
But the La Rochelle boss met his match when Beauden Barrett appeared on the other side of the bracket.
“Picking an All Black over an Ireland player, it’s not fair. Beaudy lives just down the road from me so he might come knocking on my door if I pick Ronan over Beauden, so I will go Beaudy.”
Barrett vs Larkham: a classic matchup
Barrett then faced an enormous challenge in Wallabies great Stephen Larkham, the heartbeat of Australia’s 1999 World Cup triumph. Still, Carter’s patriotism shone through.
“Stephen Larkham’s right there and I had a lot of good rivalries against Stephen Larkham. He was awesome.
“They both played 15 as well, so both really versatile and could play 10 or 15. It’s hard not to pick a New Zealander, I’m a pretty patriotic person, so I will go Beaudy.”
Does Carter pick himself?
When asked if he’d choose himself over Barrett, the famously humble Carter didn’t entertain it, leaving Barrett to move on to the final clash — a showdown with Jonny Wilkinson.
Wilkinson takes the crown
It didn’t take long for Carter to make the call.
“I would have to go Jonny. He was just someone I aspired to be like and someone I really respected, so Jonny Wilkinson,” he said.
“You deliberately put that last otherwise he would have been there most of the time! He was an awesome player.”
Dan Carter Has Picked His Greatest-Ever XV… Wow
Now, Carter has revealed his Dream Team of players he admires and respects, combining past teammates and opponents who inspired him throughout his career.
FRONT ROW
1. Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa)
Known as “The Beast,” Mtawarira earned 117 Test caps for South Africa. A powerhouse in the scrum, his physicality and leadership were vital to the Springboks’ success during his era.
2. Dane Coles (New Zealand)
Dynamic and skillful, Coles earned 84 caps for the All Blacks. Renowned for his ball-handling, mobility, and work ethic, he was a key figure in New Zealand’s dominant 2010s run.
3. Olo Brown (New Zealand)
Brown earned 52 caps and was celebrated for his scrummaging strength and imposing physical presence, forming the backbone of New Zealand’s front row in the 1990s.
SECOND ROW
4. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
Ireland legend O’Connell captained his country to a Six Nations Grand Slam and earned 108 Test caps. His line-out dominance and relentless tackling made him a central figure in Ireland’s golden era.
5. Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)
One of the finest locks of his generation, Retallick has 132 caps for the All Blacks. His athleticism, line-out skill, and physical presence were pivotal to New Zealand’s 2015 World Cup triumph.
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