Richie McCaw’s selection of players he’s either shared the field with or faced in battle could rival any squad from any era.
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Delving into the archives of rugby greatness, the 40-year-old All Black icon doesn’t throw out praise lightly—his picks reflect the highest regard for players who truly left a mark on the game.
Born on December 31, 1980, in Oamaru, New Zealand, McCaw is widely recognized as one of rugby’s finest openside flankers. Over a glittering career, he captained the All Blacks to back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2015, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest leaders. Known for his grit, intelligence, and unmatched work ethic, McCaw left an indelible mark on rugby history.
Here’s how his all-time dream team shapes up, featuring his handpicked rugby royalty.
The Back-Three: Pure Firepower
15. Christian Cullen (New Zealand)
Known as the “Paekakariki Express,” Cullen was one of rugby’s most electrifying fullbacks, scoring 46 tries in 58 tests for the All Blacks.
14. Julian Savea (New Zealand)
Dubbed “The Bus,” Savea was a dominant winger with 46 tries in 54 tests, including a record-equalling eight tries at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Rugby’s first global superstar, Lomu is remembered for his barnstorming runs and 37 tries in 63 tests. He famously demolished England with four tries in the 1995 World Cup semi-final.
McCaw on Lomu:
“When I first became an All Black, he was in the team. To play alongside a guy you’ve watched as a young fella was pretty amazing. He made me look silly in training more than once.
“He is one of the absolute superstars of rugby. If you go somewhere rugby isn’t well-known, Jonah is the one name they know. It’s really sad he passed away at just 40. He was a legend of the All Blacks and rugby as a whole.”
The Centres: Power Meets Precision
13. Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
A powerhouse with over 100 caps, Nonu combined brute strength with silky offloads, becoming a linchpin of the All Blacks’ midfield.
12. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
The hero of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup win, Wilkinson’s pinpoint kicking and defensive prowess made him one of rugby’s all-time greats.
McCaw on Wilkinson:
“He’ll go down as one of the greats of world rugby.”
Halfbacks: Command and Control
10. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Arguably the best fly-half in rugby history, Carter scored over 1,500 test points and guided New Zealand to World Cup glory in 2015.
9. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)
A master tactician and one of the game’s most accurate passers, Smith revolutionized the halfback role with his speed and decision-making.
McCaw on Carter:
“There are a lot of good players, but Dan Carter stands out because of how long he was great. In the final, he was sensational. To have played alongside him for so many years was pretty cool.”
Front Row: The Engines
1. Tony Woodcock (New Zealand)
Scorer of the only try in the 2011 Rugby World Cup final, Woodcock was a cornerstone of the All Blacks’ scrum for over a decade.
2. Dane Coles (New Zealand)
One of rugby’s most dynamic hookers, Coles brought an explosive running game to the All Blacks’ forward pack.
3. Olo Brown (New Zealand)
A rock-solid tighthead prop, Brown was renowned for his scrummaging prowess and played 69 tests for the All Blacks in the 1990s.
McCaw on Woodcock:
“If you’re looking for a night out, stay away from Tony—or make sure you’re ready for one. We’ve played together since age-grade rugby, and he’s always been a beast on the field.”
Second Row: Towering Titans
4. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
Ireland’s inspirational leader and one of the most respected locks in world rugby, O’Connell combined ferocity with intelligence over 108 test caps.
5. Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)
A World Rugby Player of the Year winner in 2014, Retallick redefined the modern lock with his athleticism and skill.
Back Row: Grit, Skill, and Sheer Will
6. Richard Hill (England)
A key figure in England’s 2003 World Cup-winning side, Hill was known for his versatility, tireless work ethic, and quiet brilliance.
7. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
The fiery Springbok flanker won the 2007 Rugby World Cup and was feared for his aggressive, physical style of play.
8. George Smith (Australia)
A master of the breakdown, Smith was one of the Wallabies’ greatest-ever players, earning 111 caps and redefining the openside flanker role.
McCaw on Hill:
“Extremely gifted, with all the ability in the world. When England needed someone to dig in, he was your man. He had the full tool bag and quietly got on with it.”
McCaw on Smith:
“George Smith was always pretty tough. I remember playing him in the U19s and thinking just how good he was even then.”
McCaw on Burger:
“You can come up against a tough team and not feel like you’ve had a real battle with your opposite. But against Burger, you knew exactly where he’d be and how fiercely he’d play near the ball.”
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