England will play the Kiwis in Dunedin on July 6 and Auckland a week later. Former All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter feels England has the talent to transition away from “risk-free” tournament rugby and will look to make a statement against New Zealand this summer.
England will play the Kiwis in Dunedin on July 6 and Auckland the following week, with Steve Borthwick’s team searching for their first victory on New Zealand soil since 2003, when the head coach was an unused substitute in a 15-13 success in Wellington.
The two Tests will be the first under new All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson, who replaced Ian Foster after winning seven Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders.
“It’s going to be really exciting,” two-time World Cup winner Carter told the PA news agency at the inauguration of a new charity to help professional athletes after they retire. “It’s a new coaching group in New Zealand so there’s a lot of anticipation.”We’ve lost a lot of experienced players, and with Scott Robertson’s success in Super Rugby, everyone’s wondering if he can translate that to the international stage against an England side that will be eager to come down here and make a statement against a new-look All Blacks side.”
England stunned many observers by reaching the semi-finals of last year’s World Cup in France, where they lost by a point to a South African side which went on to beat New Zealand by the same slim margin in the final.
“I think England have actually even grown from the World Cup through the Six Nations, their ability or willingness to want to play with the ball a little bit more,” Carter stated.
“I thought they played good tournament rugby to advance as far as they did in the World Cup.” There was a lot of risk-free rugby; they want to extend and build it, and they obviously have the talent.
“Now it’s about being willing to continue to play with the ball more and play an exciting and attacking style of play which I’m sure a lot of their players would love to be a part of. It will be incredibly intriguing to see how they’ve progressed.”
Carter is one of 10 current and past rugby union stars who have formed the Global Rugby Players Foundation to empower retired players with career coaching, grants and health and well-being activities.
The 42-year-old acknowledged he suffered “a loss of identity” after quitting his playing career and thinks sharing his experiences – and those of fellow founders Jonny Wilkinson and Richie McCaw – can assist players of all levels.
“I knew exactly what my purpose was in life for close to 20 years, to be the best rugby player possible,” Carter stated.
“That’s what motivated me to get out of bed every morning, and once that’s done, there’s nothing left but that void.
A new chapter.
Introducing the @grpf2024 – an organisation set up by players for players in collaboration with International Rugby Players and @worldrugby .
Transitioning out of the game is tough and can bring challengers. The Global Rugby Players Foundation is here to help.… pic.twitter.com/CFpnbUjqO4
— InternationalRugbyPlayers (@IntRugbyPlayers) May 30, 2024
“There may be the odd person who appreciates leaving the game and thrives, but the group of friends and teammates I’ve spoken with has been quite the contrary, and that is the strength of this foundation.
“It is by and for the players, thus the founding group has all publicly shared their experiences.
“We’re here for everyone, regardless of their physical or mental health issues. Whatever it is, we want to take a holistic approach.”
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