Daniel Carter Interview

By Sam Waldron

We sit down with Daniel Carter to talk about games, fame and Rugby 2006.

Later this month EA will be releasing across the nation the highly anticipated follow-up to last years Rugby 2005, aptly titled Rugby 2006. After hearing rumours of a Daniel Carter cover for Rugby '06 we managed to track him down to get the final word, along with a few extra to boot.

Sam: So, I hear that you're the poster boy for the upcoming EA Sports Rugby 2006. Are you able to confirm or deny this? How were you approached?

Daniel: Yes I am. They approached me about it a while ago and I was stoked!

Sam: Getting picked for promotional deals like this is really an indication of celebrity, as well as your skill on the field. Do you find it strange that even non-rugby fans know who you are?

Daniel: Yeah, totally. It’s hard to get used to!

Sam: Does seeing your own face plastered around the place set you ego-tripping at all?

Daniel: No, I still find it really weird... but I’m slowly getting used to it and it doesn't faze me as much as it used to! As long as I have my clothes on, I don't mind it!

Sam: You've said that if you weren't playing rugby for a living, you'd like to be a movie star. Have you just always wanted to be in the limelight?

Daniel: No, I haven't actually - I really don't think I could handle all that attention of being a movie star!

Sam: More specifically: is being the face of a video game a big deal for you? Are you much of a gamer yourself?

Daniel: Yes, it is a big deal for me, especially seeing as it is a game I have always loved playing (on the field and on the PS2!). And yes I am a bit of a gamer.

Sam: What consoles, if any, have you got at home?

Daniel: PS2, Xbox, and I really want a PSP!

Sam: And have they let you play Rugby 06 yet? What do you think of it?

Daniel: Yes, it’s great! They have all the stats of all the players and they are totally up to date, so I was checking out my stats to see how they compared to everyone else's!

Sam: Are you a fan of the EA Rugby series in general? How well do you think they capture rugby as a game?

Daniel: Yeah for sure, I have played the last couple of EA Sports Rugby games. The new version (EA Sports Rugby 2006) is so close to how it really is on the field that it’s amazing. Obviously it’s not the same as being out on the field in front of an international crowd ... but it’s as close as you can get for a video game, that's for sure!

Sam: Do you have a favourite game at the moment?

Daniel: Rugby 2006 is amazing as the graphics are great and its much easier to play than last year. I love Singstar too! I also play Tiger Woods a lot.

Sam: I guess I should throw you some straight rugby questions as well (actually, as a rugby fan, I simply couldn't stick to video games the whole time). As a team, coming from a hugely successful sweep in 2005, with the Lions tour and the British Grand Slam under your belts, the next big thing is the World Cup, right? But as an individual player, what are your goals? Have you got an eye on the captaincy a few years down the track?

Daniel: Yes, of course - I think it’s something all the guys think about wanting.

Sam: Thanks for your time Daniel!

Stay tuned to NZGamer.com for a full preview on Rugby 2006, along with a few more celebrity interviews along the way.

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