In the realm of rugby greatness, few can rival the former All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw. The iconic flanker steered New Zealand to consecutive World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015, amassing a remarkable 148 appearances for his nation, 110 of which he captained.
Even on the sacred home turf, McCaw tasted defeat only twice in 61 games, and his overall loss tally in those 148 matches amounted to a mere 15.
His illustrious career included being crowned World Player of the Year thrice and contributing 135 points to his country, solidifying his status as the highest-scoring forward in New Zealand's history.
But McCaw's accolades don't end with two World Cups – he boasts four Tri-Nations titles, three Rugby Championships, and two Grand Slams. Yet, even the finest athletes harbor quirks.
In a recent live chat on Facebook and Instagram with former teammate Dan Carter and Scottish journalist Lee McKenzie, a surprising revelation surfaced about McCaw's pre-game ritual – a mandatory ice cream fix.
Carter disclosed, "I’ve never seen a man eat so much ice cream before. I’m struggling to think of a test match you played where you didn’t have ice cream the night before a game."
Richie McCaw of New Zealand and Daniel Carter of New Zealand hold aloft the Rugby World Cup during the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on Oct 31st 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
McCaw openly admitted, "You’re spot on. The best man at my wedding, when he got up, the first thing he said was ‘we’re going to start the speech with Richie’s first love.’ And everyone thought ‘where’s he going here?’ … and then he said ‘ice cream.’ I love my ice cream. I always found on a Friday night you’d earned it for the week. It got me ready to go."
As for his preferred flavor, McCaw revealed, "I quite enjoy mint-choc chip. But with an apple crumble the night before a game, a bit of vanilla used to be pretty perfect."
Carter humorously added that McCaw would become quite irate if denied his pre-game ice cream. "I did find it quite amusing when you’d absolutely tear off at the dietician or the hotel staff because there wasn’t ice cream," joked Carter, emphasising the critical role of preparation in McCaw's ritual.
Scratch-card Game:
“England’s best” – Richie McCaw ranks his five toughest opponents
Sourcing several Q&A’s from down the years, including one with Rugby World, here is his top five:
5. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Position Back-row
Height 6 ft 2 in
Weight 218 lb
Caps 80
Dusautoir made his international debut against Romania in 2006 before making a name for himself the following year when France stunned New Zealand 20-18 in the World Cup quarter-finals.
The former France skipper also scored a try and was named man of the match in the 2011 World Cup final when New Zealand avenged their defeat of four years earlier with an 8-7 win in the final.
Richie McCaw said: "Over the years I've played him a few times and you always know he's there," said McCaw of Dusautoir. "He was always pretty big defensively and in the breakdown area. A menace"
DID YOU KNOW? He broke the record for most tackles in a match, making 38 tackles against the All Blacks in the 2007 World Cup
4. David Pocock (Australia)
Position Flanker
Height 6 ft 0 in
Weight 227 lb
Caps 80
The Zimbabwe-born openside flanker, who made his debut for the Wallabies in 2008 and played at his first Rugby World Cup in 2011, was widely considered one of the best players in his position.
Richie McCaw said: "Ever since I started playing rugby I've looked forward to games against other No7s who are highly rated," he said. "Pocock was one of the best."
DID YOU KNOW? Pocock and his friend Luke O’Keefe run a not-for-profit organisation, Eightytwenty Vision, which has the aim of helping the less fortunate people of Zimbabwe.
3. Richard Hill (England/Lions)
Position Back-row
Height 6 ft 2 in
Weight 224 lb
Caps 76
Hill played 288 times for Saracens and 71 times for England making him one of the modern greats of the English game. He also played five Tests for the British and Irish Lions between 1997 and 2005.
McCaw said: “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.”
DID YOU KNOW? On his mother's side, Hill is a second cousin removed of film director Peter Jackson
2. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
Position Back-row
Height 6 ft 4 in
Weight 242 lb
Caps 86
McCaw said: "You can come up against another tough team but never feel like you have had a tough match against your opposite. But with Burger you knew where they are going to be and how hard they play near the ball."
DID YOU KNOW? When not playing rugby, Burger lives and works with his family on the Welbedacht Wine Estate near Wellington, Western Cape.
1. George Smith (Australia)
Position Back-row
Height 5 ft 11 in
Weight 233 lb
Caps 111
Smith was a great contributor to Australian rugby in the modern era, playing in 111 tests across 13 years donning the green and gold jersey. 24 of those tests were against the All Blacks, of which Smith triumphed in seven – but only three in which McCaw also played.
McCaw said: Speaking in a Q+A with World Rugby, McCaw's revealed former Wallabies flanker George Smith as the one he feared most on the field, saying Smith "was always pretty tough".
“I remember playing him when I was in the under 19s against Australia and remember then thinking just what a good player he is.”
DID YOU KNOW? He was easily recognised on the field by his dreadlocked hair style until late 2006 – when he decided to sell his dreadlocks for charity. They were given to a charity for younger people with cancer.
