All Blacks legend Richie McCaw faced some of rugby's toughest players during his remarkable career. But England World Cup winner Lewis Moody was one opponent who earned his respect.
McCaw won 148 caps for New Zealand and lifted the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and 2015.
The former captain was widely regarded as the finest openside flanker of his generation.
Yet he had plenty of admiration for the men who lined up against him.
That included Moody, England's famously fearless back-rower nicknamed 'Mad Dog'.
Richie McCaw's verdict on Lewis Moody
When discussing the toughest flankers he faced, McCaw named Moody among five opponents who had impressed him.
The former All Blacks captain admired the Englishman's work rate and unusual style.
Speaking about Moody, McCaw said:
"I had got a lot of respect for the way he played, he threw himself into a lot of it."
He also praised Moody's ability to cause problems beyond the breakdown.
"Moody was a little bit different to most flankers."
McCaw highlighted his ball-carrying and the pressure he put on opposition backlines.
It was a fitting tribute to a player who built his career on refusing to take a backward step.
Moody won 71 England caps and helped his country lift the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
He also enjoyed huge success with Leicester Tigers before finishing his career at Bath.
But what makes McCaw's comments particularly interesting is that the admiration went both ways.
England rugby legend Lewis Moody in action for his country. Image: IMAGO / WENN
Lewis Moody reveals what it was like facing McCaw
Moody was just as complimentary when discussing his battles with the New Zealand great.
Speaking to The Independent in 2012, he named McCaw as his favourite opponent.
"The best in the world by a mile," was his verdict.
He also credited the All Blacks captain with improving his own game.
In another interview with The Independent, Moody admitted their first meeting had been a painful learning experience.
"The first time I faced him he gave me an absolute lesson in the art of openside play."
It was a lesson Moody never forgot.
He explained that every subsequent meeting became another chance to prove himself against the best.
Although the England star admitted he rarely got the better of his rival, he clearly enjoyed the challenge.
