Richie McCaw didn’t hesitate when naming the best rugby player of all-time

Saturday, 28 December 2024 at 19:38

byRugby Rucker

ichie McCaw, the iconic captain of the All Blacks, has recognised an English flanker as one of the most formidable adversaries he ever faced.

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He began his rugby journey began at Otago Boys' High School and continued at the University of Canterbury. His professional debut came in 2001 with Canterbury in the National Provincial Championship, swiftly followed by a Super Rugby debut with the Crusaders.

Known for his exceptional ability as an openside flanker, McCaw's on-field intelligence, physicality, and relentless work ethic set him apart. His tenure with the All Blacks, spanning from 2001 to 2015, saw him earn 148 caps, a record for New Zealand at the time of his retirement.

Throughout his career, McCaw was renowned for his leadership qualities. He captained the All Blacks a record 110 times, demonstrating tactical acumen and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His accolades include multiple IRB Player of the Year awards and recognition as the New Zealand Sportsman of the Year.

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

Off the field, McCaw is respected for his humility and dedication to charitable endeavors. Since retiring, he has continued to contribute to the sport and his community, including involvement in youth development and various philanthropic activities.

In his list of the five toughest flankers he encountered in his illustrious career, the two-time Rugby World Cup champion begins with the legendary French captain Thierry Dusautoir at the top.

5. Thierry Dusautoir (France)

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)

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)

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.

The ultimate players’ player. Did all the unseen, grafting work and just got on with his job in unassuming fashion, putting his body on the line. Able to excel right across the back row, he was a pivotal figure on two Lions trips and an England World Cup winner.

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)

One of the most physical flankers in the game, he was dubbed a “threshing machine” by former Springboks coach Nick Mallett. Came back from injury and life-threatening illness to enjoy an immense international swansong at the 2015 World Cup.

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)

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.

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