Dan Carter praises Boks after Rivalry Series

All Blacks great Dan Carter has reflected on New Zealand’s 3-1 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series defeat to the Springboks, admitting the result hurt while highlighting the respect and camaraderie that continues to define one of international rugby’s oldest rivalries.

Dan Carter reflects on Springboks series defeat

South Africa completed the four-Test series with a 43-28 victory over New Zealand at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore after recovering from defeat in the opening match at Ellis Park.

The Springboks won the final three Tests to secure the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry title 3-1, bringing the revived multi-match touring series to a close.

Carter, who won 112 Test caps for New Zealand and was part of the All Blacks’ 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning squads, acknowledged the disappointment from a New Zealand perspective.

He said ‘losing the series hurts’ and added that the current All Blacks players would be feeling the defeat more than anyone.

"I wanted us to win every Test, and I know the boys will be feeling it more than anyone. That’s part of this rivalry, neither side ever lets the other settle," he wrote on social media.

Carter highlights respect for the Springboks

Carter also focused on the relationship between players from the two rugby nations once the competition ends.

The former fly-half said there was an interesting contrast in describing South Africa and New Zealand as rugby’s greatest rivals when the sport had also created lasting friendships between people who once competed fiercely against each other.

He expressed considerable respect for the Springboks and said some of the people he remains closest to in rugby are former opponents he once desperately wanted to beat.

"There’s something quite funny about calling it the Greatest Rivalry when the game keeps bringing us together," added Carter.

"I have huge respect for the Boks. Some of the people I’m closest to in rugby are people I once wanted nothing more than to beat on the field."