Builder reunites with idol Carter
Fourteen years after being photographed with All Blacks great Dan Carter, Ash Mulloy will line up against his boyhood hero. Carter will play his first rugby game in New Zealand since 2015 when he turns out for his Southbridge club against West Melton in Canterbury’s Ellesmere competition at Southbridge Domain today. Carter, 38, is desperate to build up his fitness and get some game-time as he eyes a return for the Blues in Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Auckland-based Carter, who was with the Crusaders from 2003-15, joined the Blues as an injury replacement and is in the final stage of his decorated career.
West Melton first five-eighth Mulloy had his picture taken with Carter as a 10-year-old in 2006 and said he had been his rugby idol and favourite player growing up.
Mulloy, 24, could barely believe it when he found out Carter would be making a club rugby cameo against his West Melton Stallions.
‘‘Once it was all confirmed I was real excited to get out there and have a crack against the bloody GOAT [greatest of all time].
‘‘I’m pretty keen to see how he goes and . . . and hopefully have a beer with him afterwards.’’
Today’s game will be a top of the table clash in the Coleman Shield with Southbridge and West Melton unbeaten after two games.
Mulloy, who works as a builder, has long admired Carter’s rugby skills. His aunty got him a signed copy of Carter’s autobiography for his birthday one year. He had watched Carter’s play closely, trying to take elements from his game.
‘‘He’s always been the first-five I’ve looked up to and watched on telly. There’s heaps of great 10s out there, but none of them can read the game as well as he does.’’
His finest Carter memory was the 2015 World Cup final, Carter’s last game for the All Blacks, where he turned in a manof-the-match showing in the 34-17 final on Dan Carter
win over Australia.
West Melton had tried to play down the Carter factor at training this week, but realised it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
‘‘I’ll never forget it, no matter how the game goes.’’
Club rugby players wanted to test themselves against the best and Mulloy said they would be able to tell their grandchildren the afternoon they marked Carter.
‘‘Everyone is excited to try and have a wee tackle against him or try and run around him.
‘‘If you can put a good shot on, especially Dan Carter, it makes you feel a bit better about yourself. I think everyone will be trying to have a wee tackle on him.’’
Southbridge club manager Chris McMillan said Carter would get at least 40 minutes and was expecting a strong turnout.
This will be the fourth time Carter had played for the Southbridge seniors, his last club appearance in 2014.
‘‘As Dan has mentioned lately the rugby club is the heart and soul of the community [in Southbridge],’’ McMillan said.
Carter had helped Southbridge as they battle back from the financial pressure of Covid-19, auctioning off one of his All Blacks jerseys for the first time from his 70th test, a win over South Africa in 2010. Papakura man Chris Murdoch had the winning bid of $21,300 with all proceeds going to the Southbridge club.
McMillan said it was too early to tell what they would do with the money, but wanted Carter to be involved in the discussions.
‘‘I’m pretty keen to see how he goes and . . . hopefully have a beer with him afterwards.’’ Ash Mulloy