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How is it that a player who covers more ground than the early explorers, has an extraordinarily high and varied level of effective involvements, and is constantly realigning his field position to suit particular phases of play can be regarded as a one-dimensional player who lacks flair?
Throughout the last two Super 14 seasons Tom Carter has essentially redefined the No.12 position; yet no one seems aware of it.
Carter is frequently compared to long-serving Waratahs inside-centre Nathan Grey but the comparison is misleading.
The similarities are that they are both straight runners who hit the line with force and malicious intent and that they are powerful and effective tacklers. But Grey is a much smaller man who played a conventional and fairly predictable 12 game.
Until last season, Carter had dominated the centre-field in Sydney club rugby for three or four seasons, but despite being on the Waratahs roster had never had a single minute of Super 14 game time. That changed when Todd Louden took over as attack coach and proceeded to exploit Carter’s work ethic and physical attributes that are particularly valuable in the modern game under the ELVs.
Louden, currently visiting family in Australia after guiding Ricoh from Second Division to Top Four status in Japan, agrees that Carter’s work rate and ability to bend the line are often overlooked.
“Tommy can play both a passing game and a block-busting running game, and is capable of adapting and improving his game to any team play or style. He is constantly reinventing himself around what is best for the team. He is a pleasure to coach as it is like working with a fresh canvas each season.”
Under Ewen McKenzie and Louden, Carter was an integral part of the Waratahs’ all-but-triumphant 2008 campaign, playing every game despite carrying injuries to both groins through most of the season.
Not surprisingly, after the Super 14 he had to miss the remaining Sydney club Premiership games, but more importantly was not available for the Australia A fixtures which may well have given him the chance to press for the Wallabies end-of-year tour.
Like his captain Phil Waugh, Carter receives little credit or recognition for the sheer volume of work he gets through.
Next time you watch a ‘Tahs game – presuming selectors don’t persist with a rotation policy – have a look at how many kick chases Carter leads. Count his tackle involvements and their success rate.
After an engagement, watch how he sprints cross field to take up the most effective defensive or attacking position. Observe how he controls the defensive alignment of his backline. Note how powerfully he gets across the gain line and how many defenders have to be committed to arrest his momentum.
The Tom Carter game is an exemplar of how a big, powerful, very fit and fast back-rower might approach the challenge of playing as an outside back. I believe he is the forerunner of a style which will become increasingly utilised.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.