Dan Carter’s presence will improve Beauden Barrett as a player and the Blues as a team, according to a rival coach.
Yet far from being fearful of going up against Carter, Chiefs coach Warren Gatland can’t stop smiling about the shock signing.
Rather than being nervous about the wealth of experience and potential innovations the three-time Super Rugby winner with the Crusaders will bring to the Blues, Gatland can only see the bigger picture for Super Rugby Aotearoa.
And he believes the Carter signing will bring huge levels of excitement and exposure to the 10-week domestic competition.
“We all want superstars involved in the game and we want to try and keep our best players playing in New Zealand,” Gatland said.
“I don’t see any negatives towards it,” Gatland said. “He’s been a legend of New Zealand rugby.
“Great for the fans, sponsors and it’s just going to create some interest and I think it’s brilliant.”
At 38, Carter’s best years on the paddock are well behind him but Gatland said what he will bring to the Blues first five-eighths’ – Otere Black, Harry Plummer, Stephen Perofeta and Barrett – will be of huge benefit as will his experience to all the younger players at the Auckland based club.
“I think he’ll be great for Beauden Barrett, given his experience,” Gatland said.
“Very very good signing for the Blues, good for New Zealand rugby.”
Gatland, who joked it will be good for Carter to “get out of the house” believes he has a winning culture that can only aid the Blues.
“He’s got a world of experience, success wherever he’s been, whether that’s been with the Crusaders and Canterbury, the All Blacks going to France and Japan now as well.
