THE G.O.A.T. DEBATE

I'd politely suggest watching the video before commenting 😆 as there's a fair bit of (misplaced) anger oddly. Trying to bring some reason to a discussion which gets people hyperbolic...I tried anyway.

Dan Carter in my opinion 5x NPC champion, Ranfurly Shield 3x Super Rugby Champ 2x Top14 champ 1x Top League Champ, 9x Rugby Championship trophy 1x British and Irish Lions series victory 3x home nation grand slam tours 3x Player of the Year 2x RWC titles All time leading point scorer in both Super Rugby and International 112 test for 99 wins 1 draw and 12 losses

Dupont is just amazing, lets just enjoy the moment

Dan Carter all day. From a Boks fan.

There is no such thing. Every generation produces someone special. At 69 years old, I have seen many such players. Gareth Edward, David Duckham, Serge Blanco, Naas Botha, Danie Gerber, Andy Irvine, Willie John McBride, Sean Fitzpatrick, Jonah Lomu, Gavin Hastings, Cheslin Kolbe and the list goes on. All these players were only as good as their team-mates. Appreciate the game not just individuals, for without a team you are nothing!

I'd say Richie McCaw. 148 tests, captaining 111, winning 98. 2 x World Cups, Lions series winner as captain, 10 superrugby titles. Career spanning 14 years. His impact on the game over that span is unmatched. He was a standout amongst standouts. From a Springbok supporter.

I'm a 58 yr old SAFFA and proud Springbok supporter and it boggles my mind how quickly people forget the hero's of yesteryear? For me Jonah Lomu will ALWAYS stand out! Danie Gerber - Jonny Wilkinson - David Campese and Willie John McBride have ALL excelled respectively!

In the Carter v Dupont debate, I liken it to the Federer v Nadal/Djokovic debates. Carter was the artist, so unbelievably stylish in his kicking, his passing, his character. Dupont is just relentless, powerful etc. I personally will always prefer the artistry. Hence Carter, Federer, Brian Lara, Messi being my favourites of their respective sports.

Christian Cullen the best running back ive seen in the past 30 years. There are lengthy YouTube videos of him scoring GREAT tries. Performed consistently at all levels and gave us bokke many sleepless nights.

Hugo Porta and Danie Gerber were my favorite players to watch in the 80's. They were simply different than the rest.

He's the Gareth Edwards of the modern game & rightly should be rejoiced as a joy to watch

Hello, I'm french and an early supporter of Antoine (before he turned 18yo). I share your questionning. As you do, I consider he is currently the best rugby player in the world. If you listen all his interviews he always valuate the team not himself (as he perfectly knows rugby is a collective game). I can say he doesn't consider himself as the greatest player of all time but he works hard to have a chance to become one of the GOAT ! He is full of humility, a hard worker, smart, a leader and a gifted player. Wish him to improve till he stops and can be considered as one of the greatest. Kind regards. Didier

As a South African, the GOAT was Lomu. He changed rugby is so many ways. His presence changed defensive structures and strategies forever. Yes he and all players are not perfect but he changed the game completely for the better when he burst on the scene and for that, he must be considered the goat. He made it exciting even when he didn't score. Was incredible to see. Size, speed and presence.

Recency bias is always a problem in the GOAT debate. Hard not to be a prisoner of the moment but need to step back. As always your points are well articulated.

Completely agree with all the caveats and points you make in this very well-reasoned and balanced assessment; as you say we should already be grateful to be around to watch and enjoy this phenomenal player. Personally, I have never witnessed something equivalent in all my ( long ) rugby years. Thank you for this enlightening video and your passion for the game

Great player for sure. You can call him the G.O.A.T. or any of those other great players, as long as the Boks continue winning world cups and lions tours, I don't really care 😃

South African here. DuPont is some player. He is well on his way to becoming one of the GOATS. I don’t subscribe to one Greatest of all time. You can be the greatest right now but only ONE of the greatests of all time. Great video Tim!

He needs to play more games against South Africa and New Zealand. He needs to deal with that pressure and give a man in the match performance in a game there.

GOAT - All Blacks until the stats change. That’s undeniable.

A GOAT would know how to get his team across the line in a big quarter final at home against SA.