Richie McCaw names England legend among his ‘all-time best flankers’

Tuesday, 11 March 2025 at 20:53

byRugby Rucker

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

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)

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.

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)

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

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)

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.