Carter targets a double

Dan Carter, a nemesis of the Lions in 2005, has set his sights on a dream double against Wales in Cardiff tomorrow. [more]

Carter targets a double

Dan Carter, a nemesis of the Lions in 2005, has set his sights on a dream double against Wales in Cardiff tomorrow.

The New Zealand fly-half needs just three points to break two-time Lion Jonny Wilkinson's Test points-scoring record of 1,178.

Carter made his debut against the Welsh in June 2003 with a fine 20-point haul and has been a thorn in the side of opposition defences ever since.

And the number ten has backed his side to seal a third home nations Grand Slam in five years, at the Millennium Stadium following victories over England, Scotland and Ireland.

Carter, 28, said: "It will be a great achievement to surpass Jonny and it would be pretty cool to achieve the record against the side where it all started.

"The record will weigh on my mind but it's all about putting the team first and doing my job for the best of the team.

"Winning the Grand Slam is far more important than any record I could get. That would be huge, it's a big goal and we're not far away. To be able to finish a very successful season by winning this weekend would mean a lot."

Wilkinson has held the world record since March 2008 when he broke another Lion’s previous record of 1,049 points, this time Neil Jenkins.

World Cup winning Wilkinson has only scored 129 points since due to injuries and lack of form.

But the Kiwi outside-half reckons Wilkinson has plenty left in the tank and will bounce back to be a crucial part of England's World Cup campaign down under next year.

Carter added: "Jonny has still got a lot of games left in him. He's a quality footballer and come pressure situations like in a World Cup he's really valuable.

"He's got a few more games to play and plenty more points to score."

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