Richie McCaw Drops No-Nonsense Verdict on the Best Player He’s Ever Seen Live

McCaw's rugby journey began at Otago Boys' High School before continuing at the University of Canterbury. His professional debut came in 2001 with Canterbury in the National Provincial Championship, quickly followed by a Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest openside flankers of all time, McCaw earned 148 caps for New Zealand between 2001 and 2015. His leadership was unparalleled, captaining the All Blacks a record 110 times and guiding them to two Rugby World Cup titles.

Off the field, McCaw is known for his humility and charitable work. Since retiring, he has remained active in youth development and philanthropy, continuing to inspire future generations.

Here are the five flankers McCaw rated as his toughest opponents:

Position: Back-row
Height: 6 ft 2 in
Weight: 218 lb
Caps: 80

Dusautoir made his international debut in 2006 and earned his reputation when France stunned New Zealand 20-18 in the 2007 World Cup quarter-finals. He also scored a try and won man of the match in the 2011 World Cup final, where New Zealand edged France 8-7.

What McCaw Said:
"Over the years I've played him a few times and you always know he's there. He was always pretty big defensively and in the breakdown area. A menace."

DID YOU KNOW?
Dusautoir set a World Cup record by making 38 tackles against the All Blacks in 2007.

Position: Flanker
Height: 6 ft 0 in
Weight: 227 lb
Caps: 80

Born in Zimbabwe, Pocock made his Wallabies debut in 2008 and was widely regarded as one of the best breakdown specialists of his era.

What McCaw Said:
"Ever since I started playing rugby I've looked forward to games against other No.7s who are highly rated. Pocock was one of the best."

DID YOU KNOW?
Pocock co-founded Eightytwenty Vision, a non-profit supporting underprivileged communities in Zimbabwe.

Position: Back-row
Height: 6 ft 2 in
Weight: 224 lb
Caps: 76

Hill was the ultimate team player, excelling across the back row. He won 71 caps for England and five for the British & Irish Lions, playing a key role in England's 2003 World Cup triumph.

What 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?
Hill is a second cousin once removed of film director Peter Jackson on his mother's side.

Position: Back-row
Height: 6 ft 4 in
Weight: 242 lb
Caps: 86

Renowned for his physicality, Burger overcame life-threatening illness to deliver a powerful swansong at the 2015 World Cup.

What McCaw Said:
"You can come up against another tough team but never feel like you've 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?
Burger manages his family's Welbedacht Wine Estate in Wellington, South Africa.

Position: Back-row
Height: 5 ft 11 in
Weight: 233 lb
Caps: 111

Smith was a dominant force in Australian rugby, playing 111 tests over 13 years. He faced McCaw 24 times, winning seven of those encounters.

What McCaw Said:
"I remember playing him when I was in the under-19s against Australia and thinking just what a good player he is. He was always pretty tough."

DID YOU KNOW?
Smith famously cut off his iconic dreadlocks in 2006, donating them to a charity supporting young people with cancer.