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Cape Town - World Rugby's fans have spoken ... and voted All Blacks flyhalf Dan Carter the best player of the past decade.
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Carter edged fellow New Zealand great Richie McCaw to the accolade after several rounds of voting had narrowed the 16-player field down to the final two.
The All Blacks duo haven't played a Test since the Rugby World Cup final in 2015, but that didn't stop them from proceeding to the 'final' of World Rugby's competition - which was dominated by New Zealand players.
In the 'semi-finals' of the fan vote, Carter saw off All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett, while McCaw beat compatriot Kieran Read.
Only two Springboks made the final 16, with Bryan Habana losing out to All Blacks centre Ma'a Nonu and Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira beaten by McCaw, both in the opening round.
Carter, still only 37, is widely regarded as the greatest flyhalf - if not player - of all time.
He played 112 Tests, winning 99, drawing one and losing just 12.
He scored 29 tries and landed 293 conversions, 281 penalties and eight drop goals for a world leading 1 598 Test points.
In addition, Carter made 141 appearances for the Crusaders, scoring a record 1 708 points.
Carter is a two-time World Cup winner, a three-time Super Rugby champion and boasts nine Tri-Nations/Rugby Championship victories.
Carter also tasted success in both France and Japan as a member of the victorious Top 14 Perpignan and Racing 92 sides, as well as Kobelco Steelers in the Top League.
Off the field of play, Carter's numerous awards include:
- Two-time New Zealand Player of the Year
- Three-time World Rugby Player of the Year
- BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year
- Laureus World Sports Award for Comeback of the Year
- Compiled by Garrin Lambley
Who do you believe is deserving of the accolade of rugby's best player of the past decade? Let us know at mysport@sport24.co.za
