All Blacks star weighs in on GOAT debate

Beauden Barrett places Richie McCaw above Dan Carter in the greatest of all time conversation

Barrett's comments come after the All Blacks' defeat to France

All Blacks winger Beauden Barrett has weighed in on the debate over who is the greatest rugby player of all time, placing former captain Richie McCaw ahead of his fellow back Dan Carter.

The debate has raged for years, with Carter and McCaw consistently mentioned among the frontrunners. Carter, a fly-half, is the all-time leading points scorer in Test rugby, while McCaw, a flanker, captained the All Blacks to two World Cup titles.

Barrett, who has played alongside both players, said that McCaw's leadership and ability to inspire his team-mates sets him apart.

"Richie is the greatest All Black of all time," Barrett said. "He was an incredible leader and had the ability to get the best out of everyone around him. He was also a world-class player in his own right.

Barrett said that Carter was also a "special player".

"Dan is one of the best players I have ever seen. He was a brilliant attacking player and had a great all-round game," Barrett said.

"But for me, Richie is the greatest. He was the heart and soul of the All Blacks team for so many years," Barrett said.

The debate over who is the GOAT is likely to continue for many years to come. However, Barrett's comments add weight to the argument that McCaw deserves to be considered the greatest of all time.

Barrett's comments come after the All Blacks' defeat to France in the first Test of their two-match series. The All Blacks were beaten 40-25 in Paris, their first defeat to France since 2009.

The All Blacks will have a chance to level the series when they face France in the second Test in Lyon on Saturday.