Rugby: On his day, he could do it all

Is Dan Carter the All Blacks' best No 10, or a flat-track bully?
Is Dan Carter the All Blacks' best No 10, or a flat-track bully?
Dan Carter is off to France but what will be his legacy? Rugby writer Steve Hepburn asks three questions about the man from Southbridge.

1. Was he a flat-track bully?
Carter never performed on the biggest of big stages. His body let him down at all three World Cups he played. And it is looking doubtful whether his body will stay together for next year.

Sure, he looked the goods against sides such as Italy and the ever-woeful Wallabies. He had a great couple of tests against the British and Irish Lions in 2005 but they were a poor side, averagely coached with no leadership.

2. Is he the greatest No10 to wear the black jersey?
On his day, Carter could do it all. He had a sublime running game and could ghost past defenders with ease. Playing Wales at Carisbrook in 2010, he showed his full array of skills, scoring 27 points and winning the game single-handedly. A gifted athlete, he had a real turn of speed and was not slow in taking on defenders.

Let's not forget the goal kicking. He could slot goals from anywhere. A good tackler, too.

Most other modern All Black No10s always had a chink in their armour. Grant Fox could not run. Andrew Mehrtens could not tackle. Carlos Spencer had the odd brain explosion. Carter was class in all departments

3. Will he wear the All Black No10 jersey next year?
Only one man can answer that question. And it is not Steve Hansen. Well, in reality it may be, but Dan Carter will decide whether Dan Carter plays in a fourth World Cup.

The 32-year-old needs to get out on the park for the Crusaders right from the first game and totally dominate play at the very top level for the whole Super rugby season.

He has to score tries, make breaks, kick goals and put together a totally compelling argument to Hansen and company that he cannot be left out of the World Cup squad.

But who will bet on that after his injury-ravaged past couple of years? About as likely as Peter Jackson making a 90-minute movie.

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