‘He’s our Tom Brady’: Blues playing long game with Dan Carter for Super Rugby return – Stuff.co.nz

Leon MacDonald understands better than anyone the value of having a Dan Carter in your squad when youre about to undergo what might be the toughest 10-week schedule in rugby history.

Its why he made the call he did to his one-time Crusaders and All Blacks team-mate whom he labels our Tom Brady in reference to the 40-year-old quarterback legend still throwing pinpoint passes as he enters his third decade in the NFL.

Brady played in nine Superbowls in 20 seasons with the New England Patriots, winning six of them. And now, even at 40, the competitive fire still burns within as the ageless American football wonder gets set for a first campaign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Like Brady, Carter still thirsts to contribute at the top echelons of his game at a time when most of his peers have long hung up their boots. Its why when MacDonald had a hole to fill in his squad (in-form fullback Stephen Perofeta suffered a foot fracture in training), he thought of the two-time World Cup winner and one of the finest No 10s to have ever laced em up for the All Blacks.

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Luckily for all concerned including the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition which has received a massive injection of interest just over a week out from its post-Covid shutdown resumption the circumstances lined up.

Carter was off contract after his final season in Japan ended prematurely thanks to the virus.

He is not yet ready to hang up the boots just yet. He and his family are living in Auckland and linking up with the Blues presented the least disruption there. As rugby options go, this is as good as it gets right now. And, of course, in the Blues, and his old mate MacDonald, he had a willing suitor.

This time money was no sort of a factor either, with Carter evidently happy to come on board for the prescribed replacement player rate of around $1800 a week.

It definitely wasnt the money. Hes not getting rich doing it, said MacDonald when asked about Carters motivations for re-entering the Super Rugby arena five years since his last appearance there. His heart is in the right place. You know why hes playing hes doing it because hes giving back.

I think I got the timing right, got him maybe coming out of lockdown and not quite thinking straight and hes a man of his word, so couldnt go back on it. I think we might have hit the jackpot there. Sometimes it is about timing, but the motives are really good and I bought into that.

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Dan Carter will be invaluable to Blues coach Leon MacDonald on and off the field.

Neither Carter nor MacDonald are under any illusions about the challenges that await the veteran as he re-enters the pointy end of the game. At 38, he is clearly not the player he was, say, in 2015 when he majestically piloted the All Blacks to that second straight World Cup triumph.

He has also not played a lot of rugby (six games over the last 18 months by Carters estimation) in recent times and is coming back from major neck surgery last year. He looks fit and says his body feels in good condition, but he comes into the Blues on the back of three months without contact.

What cannot be questioned, though, is Carters innate ability, his sharp rugby mind and his competitive desire which still fans the flames within. Also his ability to influence those around him, which, depending on how things pan out in this rejigged Super Rugby competition, might be his greatest influence on these Blues.

Its a good story for rugby, noted MacDonald. Dan has earned respect around the world as a world-class player through his longevity and being a high performer for a long period. For him to give back this way is testament to his character.

Our job with the Blues is to try produce All Blacks. We get a lot of pride in promoting All Blacks to the pinnacle of the game and Dan is helping us on that trek. Weve got some young talent in this team and theyre going to thrive on having him around.

Thats where this Carter addition to the Blues is so intriguing. As it stands now they dont need to throw him into the fray. They have Beauden Barrett, Otere Black and Harry Plummer who cover 10, as well as one or two other spots, very well indeed. Right now theyre all fit and jumping out of their skin.

But in Carter they have possibly the worlds best backup plan. If Barrett or Black falls over, they have a general to slot in at No 10. Plus, as Barrett finds his feet with his new franchise, he has in fellow former world player of the year Carter, the ideal mentor.

Hell be great for us, added MacDonald. Hes already a great sounding board. Hes got a level head, hes selfless, a no-ego type person the younger guys feel very comfortable to come have a chat with. One of the big values of our team this year is we talk about loving the game.

I think Dan really epitomises that. Hes our Tom Brady. He just doesnt stop. Hes still a great athlete and still got a lot to give.

But MacDonald is no rush with his new addition, noting he is three weeks behind his team-mates in terms of building into contact. We need to progress him safely so dont expect to see DC on a rugby field in the early weeks. Well take our time and when he is ready to go it will be on a needs basis.

MacDonald wouldnt be drawn on where he might play Carter, noting the veterans utility ability, but said he would contribute from the off round the training field and in the meeting rooms.

Were lucky. The young guys are almost pinching themselves. They dont know whether to shake his hand or get an autograph. Its surreal for some of our players and a strength of New Zealand rugby, this willingness to give back and commit.

The Blues will be patient with their Tom Brady. Ageless wonders have earned their careful handling.

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'He's our Tom Brady': Blues playing long game with Dan Carter for Super Rugby return - Stuff.co.nz