Richie McCaw's dream team of players he’s coached could compete with any team from any generation of rugby.
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Looking back through the archives, the 40-year-old saves his praise for only the players he truly admires.
RICHIE MCCAW DREAM TEAM:
BACK-THREE:
15. Christian Cullen (New Zeland)
Cullen, a former All Blacks fullback, is renowned for his speed, agility, and scoring prowess. Debuting in 1996, he amassed 46 tries in 58 tests. Nicknamed "Paekakariki Express," Cullen's dynamic play revolutionized the fullback role, making him one of rugby's most electrifying players.
14. Julian Savea (New Zealand)
Savea, known as "The Bus," is a formidable All Blacks winger celebrated for his power and try-scoring ability. Debuting in 2012, he scored 46 tries in 54 tests. Savea's strength and speed made him a crucial asset, contributing significantly to New Zealand's 2015 Rugby World Cup victory.
11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Lomu, a legendary All Blacks winger, is celebrated as rugby's first global superstar. Standing 6'5" and weighing 262 lbs, Lomu's combination of size, speed, and power redefined the sport. Debuting in 1994, he scored 37 tries in 63 tests, becoming an iconic figure in rugby history.
McCaw on Lomu: “When I first became an All Black he was in the team. To play alongside a guy you have 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 to somewhere where rugby is perhaps not well known then the one guy they do know is Jonah. It's really sad that he's passed away at age 40. He was a legend of the All Blacks and a legend of rugby,"
CENTRES:
13. Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)
Nonu, a dynamic All Blacks center, is renowned for his powerful running, exceptional offloads, and defensive strength. Debuting in 2003, he earned 103 caps, playing a key role in New Zealand's 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cup victories. Nonu's versatility and skill have made him a rugby legend.
12. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
Wilkinson, an iconic England fly-half, is best known for his decisive drop goal in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final. Debuting in 1998, he amassed 1,246 points in 91 tests. Renowned for his precision kicking and defensive prowess, Wilkinson is one of rugby's greatest fly-halves.
McCaw on Wilkinson: "He'll go down as one of the greats of world rugby."
HALFBACKS:
10. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Carter, a legendary All Blacks fly-half, is celebrated for his tactical genius, precise kicking, and playmaking abilities. Debuting in 2003, he scored 1,598 points in 112 tests, becoming the highest point scorer in Test rugby. Carter's influence was pivotal in New Zealand's 2011 and 2015 World Cup wins.
McCaw on Carter: "There are a lot of good players but the guys who did it for a long time and that I've been lucky to play with is Dan Carter. In the final, he was sensational and he's been great for a long time. So to be able to play with him for the years I've been playing was pretty cool."
9. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)
Smith, a distinguished All Blacks scrum-half, is known for his quick passes, sharp decision-making, and leadership on the field. Debuting in 2012, Smith has earned over 100 caps, consistently showcasing his skill and reliability. His contributions have been vital to New Zealand's recent rugby successes.
FRONT-ROW:
1. Tony Woodcock (New Zealand)
Woodcock, a stalwart All Blacks prop, is celebrated for his scrummaging power and durability. Debuting in 2002, he earned 118 caps and scored one of the most memorable tries in the 2011 Rugby World Cup final. Woodcock's consistent performance made him a cornerstone of New Zealand's front row.
McCaw on Woodcock: "If you're looking for a night out, stay away from Tony Woodcock or go and see Tony Woodcock. He's been on the same team as me since I was 18, we played in age grade together."
2. Dane Coles (New Zealand)
Coles, an agile and dynamic All Blacks hooker, is renowned for his speed, ball-handling skills, and aggressive play. Debuting in 2012, he has been a vital component of New Zealand's forward pack, contributing to their 2015 Rugby World Cup triumph. Coles' versatility sets him apart in his position.
3. Olo Brown (New Zealand)
Brown, a formidable All Blacks prop, played from 1992 to 1998, earning 56 caps. Known for his exceptional scrummaging technique and strength, Brown was a key player in the All Blacks' dominant forward pack during the 1990s. His contributions left a lasting impact on New Zealand rugby
SECOND-ROW:
4. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
O'Connell, a towering Irish lock, is celebrated for his leadership, athleticism, and work rate. Debuting in 2002, he earned 108 caps and captained Ireland and the British & Irish Lions. O'Connell's commanding presence and lineout expertise made him a linchpin of Ireland's forward pack.
Paul O'Connell of Ireland seen during the Rugby World Cup Pool D match between Italy v Ireland at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Oct 4th 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
5. Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)
Retallick, an exceptional All Blacks lock, is known for his physicality, skill, and game intelligence. Debuting in 2012, he has been a critical force in New Zealand's forward pack, earning accolades including World Rugby Player of the Year in 2014. Retallick's all-around play has made him a standout performer.
BACK-ROW:
6. Richard Hill (England)
Hill, a distinguished England flanker, is known for his tireless work rate, defensive prowess, and versatility. Debuting in 1997, he earned 71 caps and was integral to England's 2003 Rugby World Cup victory. Hill's consistent performance and rugby intelligence made him a key figure in England's back row.
McCaw on Hill: “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.”
7. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
Burger, a dynamic South African flanker, is celebrated for his physicality, relentless tackling, and ball-carrying ability. Debuting in 2003, he earned 86 caps and played a crucial role in South Africa's 2007 Rugby World Cup win. Burger's intensity and resilience have made him a rugby icon.
8. George Smith (Australia)
Smith, a legendary Australian flanker, is renowned for his breakdown expertise, agility, and longevity. Debuting in 2000, he earned 111 caps and was pivotal in Australia's back row for over a decade. Smith's skill at securing turnovers and his all-round play have cemented his status as a rugby great.
McCaw on Smith: 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".
