Carter backs Barrett or McKenzie to be All Blacks No 10
Iconic No 10 Dan Carter has backed Scott Robertson’s All Blacks to start with Beauden Barrett or Damian McKenzie at first fiveeighth after the loss of Richie Mo’unga to Japan.
One of Robertson’s first big selection calls will be choosing who replaces Mo’unga at first-five and the position looks likely to be a straight contest between Barrett and McKenzie.
It’s not yet clear which of that pair is the frontrunner. Barrett, who was primarily at fullback while Mo’unga was the first-choice No 10 for Ian Foster’s All Blacks, will be available for tests this year after re-signing with NZ Rugby until 2027, despite skipping Super Rugby Pacific in 2024 for another season in Japan.
Chiefs playmaker McKenzie divides opinion on his suitability at first-five for tests but will also be considered for Robertson’s first match as All Blacks coach, against England in Dunedin on July 6.
Carter, who is widely considered the All Blacks’ greatest No 10, said Robertson was still blessed with talent to offset Mo’unga’s absence, although his other options are light on experience.
Blues No 10 Stephen Perofeta has represented the All Blacks in three tests and emerging playmakers in Super Rugby include Ruben Love (Hurricanes), Josh Jacomb (Chiefs) and Taha Kemara (Crusaders).
“Having Beaudie and Damian there, we've got some good depth and there is some world-class talent coming through,” Carter said.
“Richie will be missed because he's such a quality player, but he obviously left for personal reasons. You’ve got to support people who make those decisions.”
Barrett has the edge over McKenzie in experience, with 123 tests to the latter’s 47, and has started at No 10 on 56 occasions.
Mo’unga began a three-year deal with Japanese club Toshiba Brave Lupus this season.
He remains unavailable for tests while New Zealand Rugby retains the policy of not selecting All Blacks who are playing overseas on lucrative, long-term deals.
It’s a thorny issue that Robertson has discussed publicly, saying everyone needs “to keep an open mind”.
There is the concern that allowing more All Blacks to play overseas would decimate Super Rugby’s talent pool. The troubled southern hemisphere competition can’t compete with some of the massive contracts available in Europe and Japan.
Carter wouldn’t delve into the debate. In his career, he had a sabbatical from his NZ Rugby contract to play for Perpignan, although his stint in France was hampered by injury.
“Mine was part of a longer-term sabbatical. Everyone leaves for different reasons, such as more time with family or wanting a new challenge,” he said.
The All Blacks are going through significant changes after Foster departed as coach following last year’s 12-11 defeat to South Africa in the World Cup final in Paris.
Carter knows Robertson through his playing days at the Crusaders and Canterbury and was also coached by him with the latter.
He is as intrigued as anyone about the All Blacks entering a new era with a coach who breaks the mould somewhat.
The All Blacks won the World Cup in 2011 and 2015, but South Africa have lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in the two tournaments since, in 2019 and 2023.
“There’s a lot of excitement around his [Robertson] appointment, his style of rugby and the culture he'll bring to the All Blacks,” Carter said. “Like any All Black fan, I’m excited to see how he goes.”
Carter retired in 2021 and hasn’t been officially involved in the elite game since.