Richie McCaw, the iconic former captain of New Zealand, has placed Lewis Moody, the standout English rugby player, among the top five flankers he encountered throughout his illustrious career.
McCaw, renowned for his legendary status, amassed an impressive record of 148 international caps for the All Blacks, with 131 victories under his belt, while leading his country in 111 matches.
His crowning achievement came in 2011 when he triumphantly lifted the World Cup on his home turf, solidifying his position as one of the greatest All Blacks of all time.
Remarkably, McCaw continued to excel for an additional four years, shattering numerous records and uniquely claiming the Webb Ellis trophy for a second time in 2015.
This extraordinary feat not only concluded his international career but also marked the end of his playing days as he promptly announced his retirement from the sport.
#5. Lewis Moody (England)
- Position Back-row
- Height 6 ft 3 in
- Weight 225 lb
- Caps 71
Moody was known for the enthusiasm with which he plays the game, his willingness to chase down opponents and his ability to compete for possession at restarts, earning him the nickname “Mad Dog” from teammates and supporters.
Richie McCaw said: “I had got a lot of respect for the way he played, he threw himself into a lot of it. Moody was a little bit different to most flankers – he was also a ball carrier and he could put a lot of pressure on backlines.”
