Firsts with Dan Carter: My first job, my All Blacks debut, my first World Cup win

Virgin Radio

8 Sep 2023, 12:57

Dan Carter talks to Virgin Radio.

Ahead of the Rugby World Cup kicking-off tonight in France, All Blacks legend Dan Carter stopped by to reminisce on Virgin Radio Firsts.

The first match of the tournament will see the hosts take on New Zealand this evening (8th September). England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland are also taking part in the competition, which runs until 28th October.

When double World Cup winner Dan Carter joined the Chris Evans Breakfast Show with cinch to talk about his career and retirement, he also took the time to share some of his firsts with us, including his All Blacks debut, his first team talk, and the poster he had on his wall as a kid.

Watch Dan Carter’s Firsts here:

First album?

My first record or album I ever bought was Guns N’ Roses. Use Your Illusion 1. 

First job? 

My dad's a builder, so he had me out on the worksite all the time, so it was in carpentry. 

First time you won the Rugby World Cup?

The first time I won the Rugby World Cup was in 2011 at home in New Zealand. It was a hugely proud moment. The first time the All Blacks had won the World Cup in 24 years. Unfortunately I got injured halfway through the Rugby World Cup, but it was still a really proud moment for myself, the team and the whole country. 

First time you played for the All Blacks?

First time I played for the New Zealand All Blacks was back in 2003. And that was the day my dream became a reality. One of the most special days in my life.

First time you performed the Haka? 

It was the day of my test debut back in 2003. And I went straight to the back of the haka. I just didn't want to make any mistakes whatsoever. Thankfully, through time, I grew in confidence and ended up working my way near the front of the hacker. 

First team-talk?

I was extremely nervous because I prefer my leadership to be more about actions rather than the words. But having played in the number 10 jersey, I knew it was important to lead the team well and give them clarity and direction. So, hopefully they listened.

First poster on your bedroom wall?

It would have definitely been a rugby poster, because I was obsessed with rugby and rugby players. There was a player called Andrew Mehrtens, and I had his poster up on my wall, and it was really weird the day that we were in the same changing room, because we played a lot of games and a lot of seasons together as well. So, he was a bit of a legend of mine. 

First gig?

The first concert I went to was Red Hot Chilli Peppers in Christchurch back in 2002.

Every game of the Rugby World Cup 2023 will be shown live and free to watch on ITV, while talkSPORT and talkSPORT.com will also keep you updated with all the latest from France.

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