Dan Carter anointed as the greatest first five-eighth in history.

Understandably, there’s a glint in Dan Carter’s eyes this week.

Overcoming adversity and rising to challenges is second nature for the Cantabrian.

But even for someone with his extensive experience and calm demeanour, watching others seamlessly take ownership of his jersey isn’t pleasant.

Possibly more so than at any other stage of his career Carter has intense competition, which, invariably, creates pressure. Rather than shy away from it, he is embracing the need to perform against Argentina in Hamilton tomorrow.

Not only has the world-class playmaker featured only once for the All Blacks this season, he’s got six weeks of pent-up energy to unleash.

After his only, below-par, test in New Plymouth against the French and his last outing, when he was outplayed by Chiefs pivot Aaron Cruden in the Super Rugby semifinal, Carter has a point to prove.

“You always want to play well every time you put the black jersey on. I knew I could have played better last time than I did,” he conceded. “The motivation grows when you have to sit out a couple of tests like I have.”

Ahead of his 96th test, no-one will doubt his ability to respond. In a similar situation last year, coming back from another two-week layoff and calf complaint, his class was evident in the 54-15 win in La Plata.

Yesterday, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen rightfully anointed him the greatest first five-eighth in history.

But with blossoming depth at No 10, there was also a not-so-subtle hint that Carter needs to assert his authority.

“It’s interesting isn’t it? We’ve gone from having probably the best first-five in the history of the game to probably the second-best in world rugby as well,” Hansen said.

“Cruden has really developed and taken the bull by the horns. Beauden [Barrett] is developing nicely. Tom Taylor’s performance was nothing short of miraculous, coming in as the fourth five-eighth with confidence.

“That creates a bit of depth and pressure. It will be interesting to see how Dan takes that. You don’t want him looking over his shoulder; you want him looking forward and trying to improve his own game, rather than being pressured by it. I’m sure he will. He’s had a few challenges in his time.”

Publicly, Carter gives little away, but his body language yesterday revealed a man determined to regain the mantle.

Rookie second-five Francis Saili will need his guidance and, after a nine-month separation, his combination with halfback Aaron Smith could be rusty. Throw in his pending sabbatical next year, the fact he’s had only one uninterrupted training week with the All Blacks and the evolving group of 10s and, momentarily, Carter lets his guard slip to acknowledge the big picture.

“There’s a wee challenge there,” he said. “You never take your position for granted. It gives you confidence to see we have the depth there. Those guys have made the most of their opportunities. It’s now about me doing the same. I’ll back my experience. I’ve been in this situation before.”

Conrad Smith has viewed Carter endure numerous injury setbacks, including the horror world cup experience. The 71-test centre has also witnessed the 31-year-old’s array of talents; his goal-kicking accuracy, raking punts, ability to take on the line and put others into space and, of course, the deceptively powerful fend.

This week, Smith senses Carter is building to put together the complete package.

“You can tell just how carefully he managed himself through the Tuesday training – he didn’t run too much so he didn’t aggravate anything,” Smith said. “I know once he gets to the big stage that’s what he loves. For him, it’s been a wait and I know that’ll bring the best out in him. In the weeks ahead he’ll play some good footy. For a centre, that’s great for me to feed off.” Z

– © Fairfax NZ News