Legendary former All Blacks flyhalf Dan Carter has described South Africa's Schalk Burger as one of the "toughest-minded" players he ever faced.

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Speaking to Newstalk ZB's Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford, Carter heaped praise on the former Springbok flanker, who played 86 Tests between 2003 and 2015, including facing the All Blacks 16 times.

"He was tough. I kept looking at my All Blacks jersey wondering if I had a target like in the middle of the jersey or something because he kept coming for me," Carter said.

"He was having a huge battle with our big forward pack. He just kept going. He didn't stop. He was physical and just his leg drive was incredible.

"A real competitor and absolute top bloke off the field as well. His mindset was a little bit different when he was out there competing. That just made him such a tough opponent to come up against."

Carter, 38, recently made his return to New Zealand Rugby when he signed with the Blues, but didn't get any game time during Super Rugby Aotearoa.

He played 112 Tests for new Zealand between 2003 and 2015.

- Compiled by Sport24 staff