Carter's book 'My Story' was hot property as he signed copies at Whitcoulls in Auckland City today. Photo / Greg Bowker
Carter's book 'My Story' was hot property as he signed copies at Whitcoulls in Auckland City today. Photo / Greg Bowker
There's only one person who can reduce Kiwi men to starstruck school girls clamouring for a peep of their idol - Dan Carter.
The Rugby World Cup winning All Black caused chaos this afternoon when he visited Whitcoulls on Little High St to sign copies of his new autobiography forfans.
At the front of the line was Neel Devi, 30, who had been waiting since 9am to meet Carter, who she admired for his perseverance.
"I quite like the fact that he never gave up," she said "There were quite a few touch and go moments there for him ... People thought that he'd be the world's best number 10 but never played a World Cup final."
As a "pretty big All Blacks fan" she had waited with seven copies of the book to get signed for Christmas presents - with one copy put aside for her father.
"I figured from previous experiences that if I get one for me and I don't get one for him then mine goes walkabouts," she said.
As the man himself arrived at the small corridor, the waiting crowd predictably went wild - and even grown men looked a bit nervous in the presence of the star first five-eighth.
A common theme was gratitude, with many fans thanking Carter for his contributions to the All Blacks success and wishing him well for his future in France.
Many fans thanked Carter for his contributions to the All Blacks' success, and wished him well for his future in France. Photo / Greg Bowker
Following her short but special moment with him, Ms Devi rated the occasion as being better than captain Richie McCaw's book signing - who was apparently a man of few words compared to Carter.
"Dan pretty much said hello to everyone here which was really nice," she said.
While there were only a few kids in attendance due to the timing of the event, eight-year-old Maren Nicholas said it was "pretty exciting" to meet one of his rugby heroes, who he described as a "really good player".
However, not everyone knew what exactly was going on - one passer-by remarked bemusedly, "I think he's a rugby guy".
And looking somewhat overwhelmed as the big crowd petered off, Carter described the book signing as being "all worthwhile".
"Just the people who came out to buy the book and support, it's quite amazing. It's pretty cool," he said.
He has two more book signing events today - Whitcoulls Botany from 3.50pm to 4.30pm and The Warehouse Sylvia Park from 5.20pm to 6pm.
Carter is set to move to France with his family on Thursday.
