Former All Black Dan Carter cannot wait for the unique atmosphere that only a British & Irish Lions Tour to New Zealand can bring.
Warren Gatland’s side will fly to Carter’s homeland at the end of this month to take on the world champion All Blacks.
The last time they were there, in 2005, Dan Carter emerged as the key protagonist as the All Blacks won the Test series.
The World Cup winner has now retired from the international game and is plying his trade in France with Racing 92.
Click here to book your spot on the British & Irish Lions Tour in 2017
But the 35-year-old cannot wait for the famous tourists to arrive in New Zealand for what is a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity.’
“As a New Zealander there is something really unique about a Lions series, obviously it only comes round once every 12 years,” said Carter, speaking at the Rugby Players’ Association Awards on Tuesday where he was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
“In your All Black career, you’re pretty fortunate to be part of a Lions series. I just wanted to make the most of it.
“There was something about the touring Lions supporters that brought this unique atmosphere that I absolutely loved. I knew it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to play in that series and I just wanted to give it everything I got.”
Download our Official App for iPhone or Android!
Carter also pinpointed the forward battle as the key to the Test series and while his All Black roots mean he is hoping for a New Zealand victory, there are words of encouragement for the tourists.
Thanks to @theRPA for inducting me into their rugby hall of fame tonight. A huge honor to join so many legends of the game pic.twitter.com/GM2OVbTb9E
— Dan Carter (@DanCarter) May 10, 2017
“Obviously it’s early on in the season for the All Blacks. Basically, you’ve got to turn up,” Carter said.
“It’s pretty clichéd in rugby terms but that’s where it starts and finishes.
“Hopefully (the Lions don’t win). Can they? Yeah, they’ve got a great team.
“Obviously it’s a big Tour – as a Kiwi I’m hoping they won’t. It’s going to be an exciting series, I can’t wait.”
