Who's the better First Five Eighth; Wilkinson or Carter?

Question

Not just at the World Cup, but in general. Who would you put in the starting 15 and who would be on the bench?

Answer 1

Dan Carter everytime - he has a better all round game than Jonny.  (I am English).

Jonny missed two drop goal attempts in the final.

Answer 2

Carter, but going by recent form neither, I would go for  Hernández.

Answer 3

I would put Wilkinson in for a few reasons he knows how to play the game.  He is a decision maker, he knows when to slow a game down, get good field position and kick a field goal.  That is why he has a silver and gold ring in the Rugby World Cup.  That's what cost the All Blacks, a lack of leadership and correct decision making at critical times.

Answer 4

Carter lit the house on fire for the his first year or two at first five but now looks like he lacks a running game. The running game that he use to show off is now almost dormant.

Answer 5

With his recent lack of form I think I would regrettably leave Johnny on the bench. However, Carter is still a long way off Wilkinson in his prime.

Answer 6

You really have to judge them both when they play on the biggest stage. Wilkinson has been a World Cup Finalist twice (1 win, 1 loss), Carter hasn't been there at all. If you swapped them, would Wilkinson improve the All Blacks? YES, his tactical awareness, kicking game and tackling are far superior. Would Carter improve England? Only if he had Jonny playing at inside centre to cover his defensive and kicking mistakes!

PS. What's the 7th/8th place rugby world cup playoff called? - The Bledisloe Cup!

Answer 7

Carter easily. Look at how many tries each has scored

Edit: Carter has had a lean year this year but has been great all other years. His 21 tries in 44 games is testament to this. He has had a lot of niggling injuries this year but he will be back bigger and better next year

Answer 8

Love to see them both play behind terrible packs.

They would both look like decidedly average.

Answer 9

Difficult to say really, in general Carter has been better in recent times BUT if Johny hadn't been ravaged by injuries he would be untouchable now.