Richie McCaw, an iconic figure in the realm of the ALL BLACKS, has disclosed the players he found most formidable while confronting them on the field.
Having achieved a remarkable feat of 148 caps for the All Blacks, setting a then-world record, he emerged triumphant in 131 of those matches, assuming leadership in his nation’s jersey on 111 occasions.
The year 2011 witnessed him raising the World Cup on his home turf, a befitting homage to one of the most exceptional All Blacks in history. Yet, his journey extended for an additional four years, during which he etched his name into the annals of legendry, shattering one record after another. This extraordinary trajectory culminated in his unparalleled achievement of raising the Webb Ellis trophy for a second time.
Notably, this served as a flawless culmination, not only to his international stint but also to his entire playing career, as he promptly confirmed his retirement from the sport following this pinnacle of success.
#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.”
DID YOU KNOW? n August 2014, Moody was one of 200 public figures who were signatories to a letter to The Guardian opposing Scottish independence in the run-up to September’s referendum on that issue