Richie McCaw, widely regarded as one of rugby union’s greatest ever players, faced some of the fiercest competition during his illustrious career.
Reflecting on his time at the top, the former All Blacks captain ranked the five best flankers he came up against — highlighting players who tested him physically, tactically, and mentally.
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#5. Lewis Moody (England)
Position: Back-row
Height: 6 ft 3 in
Weight: 225 lb
Caps: 71
Height: 6 ft 3 in
Weight: 225 lb
Caps: 71
Nicknamed “Mad Dog”, Lewis Moody was renowned for his relentless energy and fearless style of play. Whether chasing down opponents or contesting possession at restarts, Moody brought intensity to every moment on the field.
McCaw admired his unique approach:
“I had a lot of respect for the way he played — he threw himself into everything. Moody was a little bit different to most flankers; he was also a strong ball carrier and could really pressure backlines.”
#4. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Position: Back-row
Height: 6 ft 2 in
Weight: 218 lb
Caps: 80
Height: 6 ft 2 in
Weight: 218 lb
Caps: 80
Dusautoir burst onto the international scene in 2006 and quickly built a reputation as one of the game’s most formidable defenders. He played a pivotal role in France’s shock 20–18 victory over New Zealand in the 2007 Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
He also delivered a legendary performance in the 2011 final, scoring a try and earning Man of the Match despite France narrowly losing 8–7.
McCaw said:
“You always knew he was there. He was huge defensively and at the breakdown — a real menace.”
Did you know? Dusautoir made a record 38 tackles against the All Blacks in that 2007 World Cup clash.
#3. David Pocock (Australia)
Position: Flanker
Height: 6 ft 0 in
Weight: 227 lb
Caps: 80
Height: 6 ft 0 in
Weight: 227 lb
Caps: 80
Zimbabwe-born David Pocock became one of the most dominant openside flankers of his generation after debuting for Australia in 2008. His strength over the ball and breakdown expertise made him a constant threat.
McCaw acknowledged his quality:
“I always looked forward to facing highly rated No.7s, and Pocock was definitely one of the best.”
Did you know? Pocock co-founded the charity Eightytwenty Vision, supporting disadvantaged communities in Zimbabwe.
#2. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
Position: Back-row
Height: 6 ft 4 in
Weight: 242 lb
Caps: 86
Height: 6 ft 4 in
Weight: 242 lb
Caps: 86
A physical powerhouse, Schalk Burger brought relentless aggression and intensity to the breakdown. Known for his uncompromising style, he was one of the toughest opponents McCaw regularly faced.
McCaw reflected:
“You can play against a tough team and not feel like you’ve had a tough match against your opposite. But with Burger, you always knew where he’d be and how hard he’d go at the ball.”
Did you know? Off the field, Burger works with his family on their wine estate in South Africa’s Western Cape.
#1. George Smith (Australia)
Position: Back-row
Height: 5 ft 11 in
Weight: 233 lb
Caps: 111
Height: 5 ft 11 in
Weight: 233 lb
Caps: 111
Topping McCaw’s list is Wallabies legend George Smith — a player he considered the most challenging opponent of all.
Smith enjoyed a remarkable 13-year international career, earning 111 caps and facing the All Blacks 24 times.
McCaw admitted:
“He was always incredibly tough. I remember playing him at under-19 level and thinking even then what a good player he was.”
Did you know? Smith was famous for his dreadlocks, which he later cut off and donated to charity supporting young cancer patients.
QUIZ: Can you name these retro All Blacks?
Renowned for their international dominance, the All Blacks are widely regarded as one of the most successful teams in sporting history. From legendary captains to game-changing backs and fearless forwards, generations of players have built a legacy that few can match.
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With Rugby World Cup triumphs in 1987, 2011, and 2015—and as the first nation to ever retain the title—the All Blacks’ past is packed with iconic moments and unforgettable names.
Now it’s your turn: can you recognise these retro All Blacks players? Test your knowledge of the legends who shaped the black jersey.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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