Dan Carter wasn't the worst All Black at Twickenham on a day New Zealand rugby got a kick up the backside, but he was nowhere near his best and it ends a curious year for him. Photo / Getty Images.
Dan Carter wasn't the worst All Black at Twickenham on a day New Zealand rugby got a kick up the backside, but he was nowhere near his best and it ends a curious year for him.
Injured for much of the Crusaders season, he played second-five on his return, but,
handed the playmaker role for the semifinal against the Chiefs at Hamilton, he hardly fired a shot in his team's loss. It was a performance eerily similar to his one in the 38-21 defeat to England on Sunday. He was off-target with his goalkicking and defence and never got his running game going.
Every player is entitled to an off day, although world class players such as Carter have them less often than most. But it's worth looking back over the No10's year, his last before he becomes a father - which will bring a whole new set of challenges.
Now that we can see it in its entirety it has a new complexion and there might even be a lesson or two in it for All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.
Carter's best moments came in the black jersey, no question, and they are what forced his name on to the IRB player of the year shortlist.
