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 Stormers may feel the force of Carter
    Stephen Nell
    April 26 2006 at 10:42AM 		Get IOL on your
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The Crusaders' fortuitous draw with the Western Force last week is exactly what the Stormers didn't need ahead of their date with the Super 14 champions at Newlands on Saturday.

Robbie Deans's men are out to emerge from their mini-slump and their effort will be spearheaded by the world's best flyhalf and most valuable player: Daniel Carter.

The International Rugby Board player of 2005 was the inspiration behind New Zealand's whitewash of the British Lions last year and as long as he stays fit it's difficult to see any other side matching what the Force did last week.

We caught up for a chat with the All Black superstar on Tuesday.
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'You can't take anything away from the Western Force'
Was complacency a problem for you guys last week?

Yeah, possibly. We had a short turnaround from the previous game and less days to prepare. You can't take anything away from the Western Force. They played extremely well and put a lot of pressure on us. At the end of the day they played with a lot more physicality than we did.

Has it shaken the guys up a bit?

We were obviously lucky to get away with a draw. It was an eye-opener that every team is out to topple us. We have to be right on top of our game week in and week out.

You guys seem to have a remarkable knack of getting yourselves out of trouble. The games against the Sharks and Force are good examples. That is the mark of champions, isn't it?

Yeah, we've got a pretty strong squad at the moment and some great self-belief. When the pressure has come on we have showed that we have that ability to fight and get out of situations that maybe some other teams find hard to do.

The Stormers have lost a lot of games in the last 15 minutes when the pressure has been on. Is that mental frailty something you guys will exploit?

Hopefully we can seal the game out a bit earlier than that! (Laughs) If it comes down to a close game, which could quite easily happen, it could go either way. They'll be out to put in a good performance at home after their trip. They've had a couple of good wins away and their confidence will be high. We know that we have a tough game on our hands this weekend.

Robbie Deans is resting Richie McCaw this week and has spoken about the need to keep players fresh. However, you have played every one of the Crusaders' games so far this year. Are you feeling a little fatigued?

I'm always looking to get as much game time as possible. I feel great. The guys with a high work-rate in the games tend to take it pretty easy early in the week. You manage yourself in the contact sessions and don't put in as much work as the other guys who aren't getting that game time.

It's amazing that a guy like Caleb Ralph managed to play 100 consecutive games.

Yeah, it's pretty freaky, isn't it? I can't see anyone else ever doing that. It just goes to show the ability of the man to keep his body fresh for every game.

The Stormers' back three have looked very shaky under the high ball. Is that something you'll be looking to exploit?

I haven't watched the games, but cheers, I'll keep that in mind! (Laughs) They are obviously pretty skilful players. We like to test players, but the kick is only as good as the chase. Hopefully if we launch up-and-unders the chasers keep a good line. The pressure that you put on is what makes it a good kick.

Have you had to take a little more responsibility and felt more pressure now that Justin Marshall has moved on? He would often take bad ball up by himself rather than pass it on.

I wouldn't say there's more pressure. It's just a different challenge. It was great playing outside him and he was a great competitor. He took a lot of responsibility. With the new guys coming into the side I've had to take a bit more responsibility and be more of a leader. It's been a new challenge and I love challenges.

You were the IRB player of the year in 2005. Are you finding it more difficult in terms of opponents paying closer attention to you?

Yeah, I think every year that I have played I have felt that opponents are getting to know my play a little more and targeting me. It brings other challenges and I've had to work hard on my game to develop my skills. I'm also fortunate to have quality players around me at the Crusaders. They help me get out of difficult situations. It can be tough, but it's a challenge that I enjoy.

When you say that they are targeting you, do you mean that you have been the victim of some cheap shots or players running at your channel?

They just know my common traits. They know that I like to run off the ball. Obviously they target the inside channel pretty heavily at times. I haven't made as many line breaks this season, but I'm happy if I can create space for guys out wide.

Who do you think is South Africa's best flyhalf?

That's a good question... I'm not too sure. André Pretorius had a good season last year, but has been injured this season, so it's pretty hard to tell. Derick Hougaard has been kicking well.

The Crusaders have a remarkable ability to evolve as a team. You guys lost seven All Blacks from last year, yet the show continues as impressively as ever.

I think it's down to the environment that we've got. The experienced guys carry it on each year and the new guys pick it up. We all get on off the field and are like a family. We believe in each other and enjoy what we are doing.

There is controversy in South Africa that a number of current Springboks will play international rugby irrespective of how they perform in the Super 14. Has Graham Henry set standards that the All Blacks have to attain?

It's quite different in New Zealand. If you're not playing well in the Super 14 you won't get picked for the All Blacks. That brings a competitive edge. There's a lot of competition in every position and everyone is fighting to cement their spot.

You probably wouldn't mind if you were guaranteed a spot in the 2007 World Cup squad, would you?

(Smiles) It would be good, but I only want to be there if I am playing good rugby at the time.

How much will the All Blacks miss Tana Umaga this year?

He's obviously a big loss because he had so much experience and was a great leader. Everyone, including players and management, have supported his decision. He'll leave a hole, but there are a few guys capable of filling the spot. Conrad Smith is injured at the moment and there's Ma'a Nonu. It's a real opportunity for guys to stick their hands up.

    • This article was originally published on page 27 of Cape Times on April 26, 2006
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