All Blacks legend Carter reveals World Cup insight
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks flyhalf Dan Carter has shared an insight into his headspace leading into the 2015 World Cup knockout matches on the eve of New Zealand’s World Cup semi-final clash with England.
Carter was one of New Zealand’s integral players during their successful World Cup campaign in the United Kingdom four years ago, signing off his test career with a man-of-the-match performance in the tournament final against Australia, which his side won 34-17.
A week prior to that, the 37-year-old played a starring role in the All Blacks’ 20-18 semi-final victory over South Africa, and on Saturday, he posted a photo on social media of notes he made before both matches.
Written in his notebook were four bullet points for each fixture where he reminded himself to stay focused and have fun in two of the biggest games of his career.
“Found my old book of thoughts from the @rugbyworldcup in 2015… I wrote these entries the mornings before from some of the most important matches of my career. Wishing my @allblacks brothers the best today,” Carter captioned the photo.
The post has proven to be popular among Carter’s 942,000 Instagram followers, raking in over 49,000 likes since its publication 10 hours ago, and has provided a source of inspiration for many ahead of the All Blacks’ do-or-die bout with England in Yokohama.
Former US Open golf champion Michael Campbell praised the post, commenting: “Love it mate. Simple but powerful.”
Ex-England football international Jamie Redknapp also commented his appreciation of the post, while former Wallabies wing Drew Mitchell, who was on the losing side in the 2015 final, joked in his reply to Carter: “Was it that simple bro?! Now you playing up!!”
Carter’s key points before the semi-final against the Springboks were: “Feeling pretty nervous. This is what I was born to do!; disciplined thinking; Process, process, process, nail each task; Smile”.
Before the final he reminded himself to “stay in the moment” and “have fun”.
Kick-off for Saturday’s semi-final between the All Blacks and England is scheduled for 17.00 local time.
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