Richie McCaw named the best rugby player of the professional era - Page 2 of 3 - Ruck

Richie McCaw named the best rugby player of the professional era

20 John Smit (South Africa)

19 Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)

18 Christian Cullen (New Zealand)

17 David Pocock (Australia)

16 Kieran Read (New Zealand)

15 Paul O’Connell (Ireland)

Paul O’Connell of Ireland seen during the Rugby World Cup Pool D match between Italy v Ireland at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Oct 4th 2015 in London – Photo mandatory by-line: Graeme Truby/Pinnacle – Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 – Mobile:0797 1270 681 – VAT Reg No: 183700120 – SPORT – International Rugby

14 Victor Matfield (South Africa)

13 George Gregan (Australia)

12 Bryan Habana (South Africa)

11 Martin Johnson (England)

They said: “A player who led by example and the kind of man you would always want alongside you in the trenches when the chips are down. Would never ask someone to do something he wouldn’t do himself.”

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