Barry John's view of Dan Carter

Rugby fans of a certain vintage will understand just how significant the comments of Barry John are in making an assessment of Dan Carter's play at first five-eighths.

For those who don't know, John was the linchpin of the rugby unleashed on New Zealand by the 1971 British and Irish Lions under the coaching eye of Carwyn James. They remain the only Lions side to have won a series in New Zealand.

John played so well he became known as 'King John'.

While the running rugby the side unleashed was largely confined to their provincial matches, they demonstrated a hardness in the Test matches that was too much for an All Blacks side in transition after the Fred Allen era, and the retirement of a large group of players following the 1970 tour of South Africa.

John took New Zealand by storm but it was to be the last great demonstration he gave as he retired early and was replaced by Phil Bennett, who played out the remainder of the 70s for Wales and the Lions.

Barry John's thoughts on Dan Carter