EDITORS PICKS:
? Richie McCaw’s Dream Team – Based on the Players He Admired Most
? Back Three – Speed, Skill, and Power
The Paekakariki Express – pure attacking brilliance.
Cullen’s elusive running and flair from fullback made him one of the most exciting players of his generation. McCaw has often praised the “X-factor” players who changed games — and Cullen certainly fits that description.
Nicknamed “The Bus” for a reason.
Savea bulldozed defenders throughout the 2010s, becoming one of the All Blacks’ most prolific finishers. McCaw has spoken glowingly about the modern winger’s mix of strength and speed.
The sport’s first true global superstar.
Richie McCaw on Lomu:
“When I first became an All Black he was in the team. To play alongside a guy you had watched as a young fella was pretty amazing. He made me look silly in training more than once.
He’s one of the absolute superstars of rugby. If you go somewhere rugby isn’t well known, the one guy they do know is Jonah.”
? Centres – Creativity and Control
A powerhouse with brains and finesse.
McCaw has long admired Nonu’s development from raw runner to one of the smartest midfielders in the game. His combination with Conrad Smith defined an era of All Blacks dominance.
The English icon and ultimate professional.
McCaw on Wilkinson:
“He’ll go down as one of the greats of world rugby.”
From his legendary 2003 World Cup-winning drop goal to his relentless preparation, Wilkinson earned universal respect — including from McCaw.
⚡ Halfbacks – Tactical Perfection
The ultimate playmaker.
Richie McCaw on Carter:
“There are a lot of good players, but the guys who did it for a long time — and that I’ve been lucky to play with — is Dan Carter. In the final, he was sensational and he’s been great for a long time.”
Few players embodied consistency and class like Carter.
Sharp, smart, and relentless.
Smith’s crisp passing and control of tempo earned him McCaw’s admiration as one of the most influential All Black halfbacks ever.
? Front Row – The Unsung Heroes
Dependable and destructive in equal measure.
McCaw on Woodcock:
“He’s been on the same team as me since I was 18. We played in age grade together.”
Woodcock’s try in the 2011 Rugby World Cup final sealed his place in All Black folklore.
A hooker with the heart of a back-rower.
McCaw has praised Coles’ aggression and athleticism, calling him one of the most dynamic forwards of the modern game.
Technically superb and built for the scrum wars of the ‘90s.
Brown’s reliability and scrummaging power made him one of New Zealand’s best-ever tightheads — the kind McCaw often admired for their unseen graft.
?️ Second Row – The Engine Room
A colossus in green and one of McCaw’s toughest opponents.
O’Connell’s leadership, intelligence, and relentless intensity earned McCaw’s respect as one of rugby’s greatest captains.
A modern-day great.
McCaw has hailed Retallick’s athleticism and skill as a lock who “can do it all.” A true game-changer in tight and open play alike.
? Back Row – Where Battles Are Won
The definition of consistency and class.
Richie McCaw on Hill:
“Extremely gifted player who had all the ability in the world to play and run the ball. When England needed someone to dig in, he was your man. He had the full tool bag and quietly got on with it.”
Fearless and ferocious.
McCaw on Burger:
“You can come up against another tough team but never feel like you’ve had a tough match against your opposite. But with Burger, you knew where he’d be and how hard he’d play near the ball.”
High praise from the toughest man in the game.
McCaw’s most respected rival.
McCaw on Smith:
In multiple interviews, McCaw admitted Smith was the one player he truly feared
