We should salute the influence and achievements of All Blacks first-five as he prepares to face England at Twickenham in his 100th test
The trouble with displays of absolute excellence is that they set an impossible benchmark. Displays as sublime as that of Dan Carter against the British and Irish Lions at Wellington in 2005 are impossible to replicate week in, week out. It can only be a measure of how much All Black supporters have been spoilt by the great first five-eighth that some voice disappointment when he does not quite scale those heights. This is nonsensical. Those who have taken to sniping at Carter should reflect on his ongoing brilliance as he takes the field at Twickenham this weekend to become the fifth All Black to play 100 tests.
Those critics point to several supposed shortcomings. At 31 he is said to have lost some of his sharpness and to have become injury-prone. He is also deemed to be no longer irreplaceable because of the presence of several younger and highly promising first five-eighths. There may be an inkling of truth in some of this. But ask the vast majority of All Black supporters who they prefer playing in that position and there remainsonly one answer.
Carter continues to bring qualities to the rugby field that none of those nipping at his heels can match and, quite probably, no other first five-eighth has ever emulated. The accuracy of his goal-kicking sets him apart, as does his kicking in general play. So, too, does his ability to breach the opposition line through strength, even from a standing start, or deceptive running. His vision, ability to read the game, and passing skills also remain unimpaired.