Wynne Gray: Carter and Williamson peas in the pod?

All Blacks five-eighth Dan Carter directs play in the World Cup final against Australia. Photo/Getty.

Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the most phlegmatic of them all?

We're talking maestro five eighths Daniel Carter here and the ice-cool batting from Kane Williamson. Neither appears to be fazed by much at all as they have dispensed their sporting talents around the globe.

Carter concluded his 112 All Black test career with a World Cup triumph and several of the more expressive moments in his career while Williamson on the back of a brilliant century followed by a half century at the Gabba, has moved in a career-high place in the top five global rankings.

As NZ rocked against a pace-bowling barrage from Australia, Williamson peeled off his 11th test century and hardly looked to raise a bead in the sweltering temperatures at the Gabba. Williamson is just 25 and edging towards a test average of 50.

He made 131 batting at number six on debut at Ahmedabad and five years later has made tons against eight test playing nations.

In Brisbane, he clipped, cut, drove and pulled his way to his century from 129 deliveries with all the poise of a matador in an ice-jacket. His shot selection matched his light, crisp footwork as he countered all the Aussies could throw at him.

When he raced back for two runs to complete his hundred there were no histrionics or exaggerated celebrations. The helmet came off, Williamson raised his bat to acknowledge team-mates and the crowd support and took guard again.

Team first. Any personal success was a derivative of the team effort.

It's the sort of adage which has kept Carter at or near the helm of his craft for most of his career.

In the RWC semifinal he propped and kicked a vital dropped goal against the Springboks before kicking six from seven as he controlled the tournament conclusion against the Wallabies.

Carter only released a bit of his soul when Beauden Barrett scored a runaway last minute try. The right foot conversion and yahooing from the 33-year-old broke the imperturbable public face he's carried into test combat since 2003.

Joy came through celebrations with his teammates and relief too as he buried his face in his hands with the winners' gold medal finally around his neck.

Like Williamson, his ability to ride the pressure of international combat and rarely give an inkling about any distress or discomfort was a golden thread for his team.

We finally caught a glimpse of Carter unblocked at Twickenham but we may have to wait another decade to see if Williamson offers a similar out of the ordinary adieu.