Carter's defence is first rate - let's get rid of 50% of the game right there.
But I've got mixed feelings about his attacking abilities. There's nothing wrong with a 12 bashing the ball up a few times in front of his forwards and presenting a nice ball, but he would better if he offloaded it more in the magic moment before he gets tackled, or sometimes, enough before the tackle that he can support the guy he passed it to, on the inside. He should mix it up.
Then there is the problem of when he is in the open with the ball. Compared to other starting S14 Oz inside centres last year, he looked uncomfortable with the ball in hand, in space. Once at the SFS, and I can't remember which game, he seemed in a state of panic when he found himself in a gap. Maybe somebody else can remember the incident. It felt bad for him because he has a lot of merit in some areas.
To those who may want to reply may: well you remember only one so he must be OK - it was the most memorable occasion, and forum members remarked on it at the time because he was on his own for a while. I think this flaw of not being able to read the play well enough when he has the ball, so he crashes by default too much, is the reason that he hasn't been thought of as somebody who deserves higher honours.
I have a theory that many of the faults of players, even good players, are because they shy away too much from weaknesses. Many scrummies snipe or box kick when a pass to the right is the other option - because they are right handed and it needs a left hand pass. Some fullbacks who kick mostly with the right foot tend to run too much when they are close to the right touch.
Maybe Carter crash balls too often because he hasn't learned to use the ball as well, and as much, as he should - and thereby add value to his supporting runners. At full pace maybe he will get a few short off-loads happening but doesn't have confidence in medium and long passes. There are usually reasons for a player's limitations in any sport. If he become a bit more of a ballplayer, and one who is known for adding value to team mates, I think he will be looked on in a different light.
Having said all that the Waratahs played three fine attacking games last year against good Kiwi opponents: the Blues, Chiefs and Canes. Carter was the 12 in the last two. He has some limitations but he can't be as bad as a lot of folks are saying.
