Richie McCaw and Dan Carter share their love for the 'world’s best rugby stadium'

Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, known during their playing careers as the Millennium Stadium, holds a special place in the hearts of the New Zealand greats.

Carter named it his favourite stadium, while McCaw’s admiration survived one of the most painful defeats of his career.

Speaking during the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Carter made his preference clear.

“I’m often asked which is my favourite stadium to play,” he said.

“I always say the Millennium.”

The legendary fly-half pointed to his happy memories of playing in Cardiff, describing the venue as having “an awesome atmosphere”.

For a player who experienced rugby’s biggest occasions around the world, it was a significant endorsement of Wales’ home ground.

McCaw’s affection for Cardiff is particularly striking given what happened there in 2007.

The All Blacks captain led New Zealand during their shock 20–18 quarter-final defeat against France, which ended their World Cup campaign.

Yet, returning to face Wales in 2009, he still described the stadium as “one of my favourite places to play rugby”.

McCaw explained that closing the roof intensified the atmosphere and kept the ball dry, although the noise made communication challenging.

“It can be extremely noisy,” he said.

The flanker also highlighted the challenge of facing Wales in front of their home supporters.

“Wales traditionally come out with plenty of passion.”

Carter named it his favourite, while McCaw placed it among the grounds he most enjoyed visiting.

Their praise strengthens Cardiff’s case in the debate over rugby’s greatest venues, which also features in RUCK’s greatest rugby stadiums ranking.

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