Carter relishing Wilkinson clash November 21, 2009
New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter has expressed his admiration for Jonny Wilkinson and cannot wait to go head to head with the England star at Twickenham tonight.
The battle between the two leading No 10s of the past decade will take top billing this weekend, with both men pivotal to their sides' victory hopes.
Wilkinson was at his dominant best when he guided England to World Cup glory in 2003 but with injuries taking their toll on him in the intervening six years, Carter has come to the fore.
The All Blacks' stand-off, who needs just two more points to become his country's highest scorer in Test rugby, has only lined up against Wilkinson twice in his international career - and they were both in matches against the British and Irish Lions in 2005.
Now Carter is relishing the chance to pit his wits against a player he has always admired from afar.
"I've got so much respect for him," Carter told reporters at New Zealand's hotel here on Thursday. "He's a class player," added the All Black No 10 of Wilkinson, rugby union's record international points scorer.
"You always love coming up against guys who you admire. And this weekend is exactly that.
"Obviously he (Wilkinson) has had a pretty frustrating couple of years but I think he has bounced back extremely well from the challenges he has had.
"He's such a dedicated and motivated person, with an extremely big work ethic. When you live your life like that, you are going to get rewards and reach your goals.
"He still poses a real threat to us. He is a player we have identified who can really steer and direct the English team around. We need to cut down his time and space."
Wilkinson's move to French club Toulon has kick-started a career many thought had stopped dead in its tracks owing to the sheer number of serious injuries he has sustained since his 2003 World Cup heroics.
The England star is the latest big-name player to try his luck in the Top 14 - Carter did the same last season when he joined Perpignan in December on a seven-month contract.
Less then two months into his deal, though, the All Blacks ace ruptured his Achilles tendon, an injury which ruled him out for six months.
He nevertheless took a lot out of his experience in France and believes former Newcastle favourite Wilkinson will do the same.
"Sometimes in life you need a change in lifestyle and different challenges," added the 27-year-old Carter, who will make his 65th Test appearance on Saturday
"That's exactly what I was after with my French experience with Perpignan and there are some similarities with Jonny - a new lifestyle, a new challenge and a new team.
"He seems to be relishing it and I am sure he will be a lot fresher because of it."
Carter insists he is pretty fresh himself, having missed New Zealand's 20-6 win over Italy in Milan last weekend while serving a suspension for a high tackle on Wales replacement scrum-half Martin Roberts during the All Blacks' 19-12 win in Cardiff on November 7.
After being used as a mere waterboy at the San Siro, Carter will return to his usual role of chief playmaker as New Zealand look to claim their fifth successive Test win, and their eighth victory in a row over England.
"That was the first time I have been banned and there wasn't much I could do about it," he said.
"I just wanted to get back into the team and if anything it makes you more motivated to go out and play on Saturday after a weekend off.
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