56 LISTENER SEPTEMBER 7 2019
BOOKS&CULTURE
Did the fact that the documentary
makers were British affect your decision?
A little bit. I’m not sure if any New
Zealand film crew wanted to tell
my story. They’ve probably heard
enough about my life from the media
throughout my career. The British are
guys I knew and trusted, so I knew
they were going to do a good job and
make sure it was a true reflection of
my life and career. Though I still got
a bit nervous ... I was a little con-
cerned when they were filming me at
fashion shows in Paris and the con-
text that would be put into the film.
But they balanced it out really well.
And the people they got involved in
the film, that’s what really made it to
me. I was really humbled to hear the
kind words and what people thought
about me and my career.Which included your dad, Neville, who
famously put up those goalposts on the
back lawn for your eighth birthday, and
there they still stand.
He’s a bit of a superstar of the film,
for sure. He’s getting a few offers to
sell that section. But he just can’t
do it. It just means too much to our
family to sell that section or get rid
of those famous goalposts. It was
nice to share that part of my life and
upbringing. That’s where I learnt
how to play rugby and that’s where
I built my skill set and was able to
perform at the highest level because
of all those years I spent out in the
backyard.While talking about those backyard days,
you said you much preferred team sports
as a youngster. But a goal-kicker is still a
very individual role.
I’ve never really thought of it like
that. I loved going into war with your
teammates. But you’re right. Goal-
kicking is an individual thing and I
love the mental challenge of kicking.
It’s something I do very naturally.
I have always done. That’s what I
do for fun ... all kickers have won
the World Cup in their backyard at
some stage. I lived on those pressure
moments to get a kick to win the
game, because that’s exactly what I
was putting all the hard work in for.You also seem to train in some veryscenic spots in the movie.
Well, the production team are from
overseas. I also wanted it to be a great
chance to showcase our beautiful
New Zealand, and those training
shots are parts of the country that
I’ve spent time in. I thought they
showcased it beautifully.How do you see the film? You’re social-
media savvy. You’ve got interests in
music and fashion. Is this content for your
fan base or something else?
First, it was something I wanted to do
for my children. In New Zealand, we
love the All Blacks and know so much
about the All Blacks. I’ve kept my
private life reasonably private. Now
that I’ve finished playing, I thought it
was a nice chance to showcase a little
bit more of my life, my family and
my upbringing than I have in the
past. I hope the people who watch
the film and my fans will appreciate
that and also get a bit more of an
understanding of what it takes to be a
professional sportsperson.The movie starts with you getting neck
X-rays. Given what your body has been
through, do you worry about the long-
term consequences?
I’ve got an understanding of the
potential consequences, but some-
thing that I’ve learnt through my
career is that your body is incredible.
This might sound really strange,
but even though I’ve just had neck
surgery, my body feels good. I’ve
had ruptured adductors, I’ve had
a ruptured Achilles, but they feel
stronger than they were before the
injuries. So, your body really does
bounce back and it’s incredible that
you can put your body through pain
and really push it to these limits. I’m
realistic. It’s going to take its toll on
my body. But, for me, it’s worth it
and I wouldn’t change anything that
I’ve gone through to get to where I
am today. lA Perfect 10 is in cinemas now.From top, Carter, left, in action for
Canterbury in 2002; with Rugby World
Cup-winning All Blacks captain Richie
McCaw in 2015; posing for selfies with
Munster supporters in 2018; playing for
Japan’s Kobelco Steelers in 2018.G
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