Richie McCaw

Richard Hugh McCaw Template:Post-nominals (born 31 December 1980) is a retired New Zealand professional rugby union player. He captained the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks, in 110 out of his 148 test matches, and won two Rugby World Cups. He has won the World Rugby Player of the Year award a joint record three times and was the most capped test rugby player of all time from August 2015 to October 2020.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> McCaw was awarded World Rugby player of the decade (2011–2020) in 2021. McCaw is also a winner of the New Zealand sportsman of the decade award.

McCaw was the first All Black to reach 100 caps, and the first rugby union player to win 100 tests. He was the most-capped player in rugby union history with 148 caps, having overtaken Brian O'Driscoll's record in 2015 and losing the record to Alun Wyn Jones in 2020. McCaw has also equaled the record for most appearances at the Rugby World Cup, with Jason Leonard.

McCaw predominantly played in the openside flanker position for the New Zealand, Crusaders and Canterbury teams, but also played as a blindside flanker and no. 8. During McCaw's career, Canterbury won the NPC (later Mitre10 Cup) five times, and the Crusaders won four Super Rugby titles. In addition to winning two world cups, the All Blacks won seven Tri-Nations titles, completed three successful Grand Slam tours and won the Bledisloe Cup eight times.

He made his debut in 2001 for the Crusaders, and was selected for the All Blacks' 2001 end-of-year tour, despite having played only eight minutes of Super 12 rugby. His debut for New Zealand was against Ireland, where he was awarded man-of-the-match. McCaw became a regular selection for New Zealand, only missing a few games due to recurring concussions. In 2004 he was appointed captain of the All Blacks, whom he led at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. After their elimination in the quarter-finals, his captaincy came under criticism, but he was retained and eventually led the team to consecutive Rugby World Cup titles in 2011 and 2015, becoming one of only 43 players who have won the Rugby World Cup on multiple occasions. McCaw is however one of the two only captains to have won two Rugby World Cups, the other one being Siya Kolisi.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

McCaw holds the international record for most game wins as a player at 131.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> He also holds the international record for most games as a captain at 110.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Family and early years

Gothic style building on a green knoll

Otago Boys' High School, Dunedin. Richie McCaw boarded at the school from 1994 to 1998.

His paternal fourth great-grandfather was Seth Smith, who built large proportions of Belgravia & Mayfair in London in the 1830s, related through his great, great-grandmother Sarah Annette Seth-Smith McCaw. McCaw's great-great-grandfather immigrated to New Zealand from the Scottish Borders in 1893,<ref name="Kimmage 2006">Template:Cite news</ref> and settled in the Hakataramea Valley, Waimate District, South Canterbury. McCaw's father took over the family farm and his mother was a teacher at Kurow.<ref name="Gray2006">Template:Cite news</ref>

On New Year's Eve 1980, Richard Hugh McCaw was born in the nearby town of Oamaru.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> He grew up on his parents' farm along with his sister Joanna. McCaw started flying gliders with his grandfather J H 'Jim' McCaw,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> a Tempest pilot during World War II credited with shooting down 20 V1 missiles, when he was nine years old.<ref name="Kimmage 2006" /> He played rugby for the local Kurow rugby club as a youngster,<ref name="Gray2006" /> but it was not until 1994, when he boarded at Otago Boys' High School in Dunedin, that he started to take the game seriously.<ref name="Kimmage 2006" />

In his last year at Otago Boys' High, McCaw was head boy, proxime accessit (runner up) to the dux and played in the school's 1st XV.<ref name="Gray2006" /><ref name="ODT 2006">Template:Cite news</ref> McCaw came to the attention of national selectors during a 5-all draw with Rotorua Boys' High School in the 1998 New Zealand secondary schools rugby final in Christchurch.<ref name="Kimmage 2006" /> However, he failed to make the New Zealand Secondary Schools Team, losing out to Sam Harding, Angus McDonald and Hale T-Pole.<ref name="ODT 2006" /> With Sam Harding moving south to study at the University of Otago, McCaw headed to Christchurch's Lincoln University to study agricultural science and pursue his rugby interests.<ref name="Gray2006" /> He achieved all but two papers for his Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree before deciding to pursue his rugby career instead.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> He received an honorary doctorate in recognition of his sporting achievements in April 2012.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In 1999, McCaw was selected in the New Zealand under-19 squad (coached by Mark Shaw), which won the world championship in Wales. During that series, McCaw realised his All Blacks dream could be attainable.<ref name="Kimmage 2006" /> The following year he was selected in the New Zealand under-21 squad and debuted for Canterbury in the National Provincial Championship (NPC) against North Harbour.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On 31 March 2001, he made his Super Rugby debut with the Crusaders, playing a few minutes in a losing effort against the Hurricanes.<ref name="Gray2006" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> That year he only played twice for the Crusaders, both times as a substitute, for a total of just eight minutes playing time.<ref name="Gray17-7-09">Template:Cite news</ref> He did however play a full season with NPC champions Canterbury and captained the New Zealand Under 21s.<ref name="Unfazed 2001">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Playing career

International debut

Although the then 20-year-old McCaw had only played seventeen matches for Canterbury, John Mitchell, the new All Black coach, selected him for the 2001 end of year tour to Ireland, Scotland and Argentina. This led Josh Kronfeld, a former All Black openside flanker, to criticise the selection: "You might as well just give All Black jerseys to everybody. The fact they picked guys off one NPC season is bloody incredible".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

McCaw's debut international test was against Ireland at Lansdowne Road on 17 November 2001. His first touch of the game resulted in a knock-on when he was hit in a tackle and New Zealand were trailing the Irish 16–7 at half-time.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In the second half the All Blacks recovered to win 40–29 and McCaw was named man of the match, receiving a standing ovation at the post-match function.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> A turning point came in the second half when McCaw was able to steal the ball from Ireland, which led to a try to left wing Jonah Lomu.<ref name="impact 2001">Template:Cite news</ref> After the match McCaw recalled the experience: "it was a hell of a stadium to play at, a real rugby stadium, a big crowd – something I'll always remember, very special."<ref name="impact 2001" />

McCaw played all three tests on the tour, with the All Blacks beating Scotland 37–6<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and winning 24–20 against Argentina.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> At the end of season rugby awards, McCaw was selected as both the New Zealand Rugby Football Union Under-21 and Air New Zealand NPC Division One Player of the Year.<ref name="Blackadder2001">Template:Cite news</ref>

2002–2003

In the lead-up to the 2003 World Cup McCaw was a regular player for Canterbury, the Crusaders and the All Blacks. In 2002 and 2003 the Crusaders competed in the Super Rugby final, beating the Brumbies in 2002<ref name="Crusaders 2002">Template:Cite news</ref> and losing to the Blues in 2003.<ref name="Blues 2003">Template:Cite news</ref> The Canterbury provincial rugby team lost the semi-final to the eventual winners Auckland in 2002.<ref name="Auckland2002">Template:Cite news</ref> McCaw and the other All Blacks were "rested" during the 2003 national provincial championship.<ref name="Spectators2003">Template:Cite news</ref>

In 2002 McCaw played for the All Blacks against the touring Ireland team (15–6 and 40–8 victories) and in the Tri Nations against Australia and South Africa. Of the six 2002 test matches McCaw played in, five were won by New Zealand with the only loss to Australia.<ref name="Kimmage 2006" /> The 14–16 loss occurred in New Zealand's third Tri Nations match and ensured the Bledisloe Cup stayed with Australia.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> During the All Blacks match against South Africa in Durban a pitch invader attacked Irish referee David McHugh as a scrum was being set, dislocating his shoulder in the process.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> McCaw and A.J. Venter wrestled the assailant off the referee and, according to McHugh, if they had not got involved his shoulder would have been broken.<ref name="Gray2006" /> McCaw was rested, along with 20 other members of the Tri Nations squad, from the 2002 end-of-year tour to Europe.<ref name="2002 squad">Template:Cite news</ref>

In 2002 McCaw was voted as Newcomer of the Year by the International Rugby Players Association.<ref name=autogenerated4>"player profiles – Richie McCaw" Template:Webarchive allblacks.com</ref> This award is voted on by all international players, with players not allowed to vote for members of their own team.

After another successful campaign with the Crusaders in 2003 (reaching the Super 12 finals), McCaw was again selected as first choice openside flanker for the All Blacks. In June he was involved in a narrow 13–15 defeat at home to England, was a non-playing reserve in a 55–3 victory against Wales and played in a 31–23 win over France.<ref name="measure 2003">Template:Cite news</ref> The 2003 All Blacks retained the Tri Nations title,<ref name="measure 2003" /> regained the Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 1997<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and were ranked second behind England leading into the World Cup.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

McCaw was selected as openside flanker for the 2003 All Blacks World Cup squad<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and played in every game at the tournament. New Zealand won all their pool games<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and beat South Africa in the quarter-finals<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> to qualify for a semi-final match-up against Australia. In an upset,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> the Australians defeated the All Blacks, knocking them out of the tournament.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> At the end of the season awards McCaw received the Kel Tremain Trophy for the New Zealand Rugby Union player of the year.<ref name="Kel Tremain 2003">Template:Cite news</ref>

2004–2005

The Crusaders finished as runner-ups in the 2004 Super 12 season, losing the final to the Brumbies.<ref name="blitz 2004">Template:Cite news</ref> Following the World Cup, John Mitchell was dropped as All Black coach<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and replaced by Graham Henry. McCaw was selected as first choice openside flanker and made vice captain. In the first test against England he was escorted off the field after suffering concussion following a clash of heads with fellow All Black Xavier Rush. He was a late withdrawal from the second England test and then played 70 minutes against Argentina before again leaving the field due to dizziness.<ref name="Kimmage 2006" /> Still suffering headaches a month later,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> he withdrew from the rest of the home campaign and the 2004 Tri Nations to focus on recovery.<ref name="concussions 2004">Template:Cite news</ref> McCaw returned to captain Canterbury to the finals at the tail end of the NPC season.<ref name="unfinished 2004">Template:Cite news</ref> In November 2004 he returned for the All Blacks' end-of-season tour to Italy, Wales and France. He was made captain at the age of 23 for the first time against Wales as regular captain Tana Umaga was rested.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In April 2005, while captaining the Crusaders,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> McCaw again suffered a concussion. He was stretchered off the field two minutes into the game after attempting a tackle on Bulls prop Richard Bands.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After the incident, McCaw visited a young boy in hospital who had broken his neck playing rugby and started to question whether he should be playing the game. Another paraplegic in the ward told him he had broken his neck swimming on holiday in Fiji, convincing McCaw that it could happen anywhere, and you may as well "do what you enjoy".<ref name="Kimmage 2006" /> A month later, in May 2005, McCaw returned to training with the Crusaders and led them in their semi-final and final victories.<ref name="farewell">Template:Cite news</ref>

McCaw returned to international rugby in 2005, playing in the 91–0 victory over Fiji before the British and Irish Lions arrived.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He then played the first two test against the Lions, including a record 48–18 victory in Wellington.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The All Blacks defeated the touring Lions 3–0 in the series. McCaw was part of the successful Tri Nations campaign (losing just one game) and Grand Slam (when victory is achieved against the four home nations) end of year tour.<ref name="Blackyear">Template:Cite news</ref> He missed the game against England after suffering his third serious head knock against Ireland.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite his injury concerns, McCaw was shortlisted for the 2005 IRB International Player of the Year, which was won by All Black teammate Dan Carter.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

2006–2007

McCaw in the middle of the New Zealand haka facing a line of the French team in white

New captain McCaw leading a haka against France in 2006

McCaw led the Crusaders to the Super Rugby title again in 2006.<ref name="fog2006">Template:Cite news</ref> In May 2006, at the age of 25 and after 36 test matches, McCaw was named captain of the All Blacks.<ref name="captain 2006">Template:Cite news</ref> His first two games as regular captain were against Ireland in New Zealand, while a separate squad led by Jerry Collins was named to travel to Argentina for a one-off game.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> McCaw started his captaincy with victory over Ireland<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and then mentored stand-in captain Jerry Collins in Argentina.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> New Zealand emerged as 2006 Tri Nations champions (the only loss away to South Africa by one point) and retained the Bledisloe Cup.<ref name="rampant 2006">Template:Cite news</ref> A successful European tour saw comfortable victories against England, France twice and Wales. McCaw was captain in every match and after being short listed in 2002, 2003 and 2005 was named the 2006 IRB International Player of the Year.<ref name="IRB 2006">Template:Cite news</ref>

Because 2007 was a World Cup year, All Black management decided that a select group of 22 players, including McCaw, would undergo "reconditioning" by not playing in the first seven rounds of the Super 14.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> McCaw returned to the Crusaders in the eighth round and helped them reach the semi-finals.<ref name="Semis 2007">Template:Cite news</ref> New Zealand then beat a below-strength<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> France team in two tests and won a one-off test against Canada. McCaw started on the bench for the Canadian match, with Reuben Thorne returning as captain.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Tri Nations was shortened because of the World Cup, with each team playing the other two teams twice (one home and one away game). Led by McCaw, New Zealand again dropped just one game (this time a five-point loss against Australia in Melbourne) retaining the Tri Nations crown and the Bledisloe cup.<ref name="tri nations 2007">Template:Cite news</ref>

2007 World Cup

The 2007 World Cup was held in France, Scotland and Wales. The All Blacks were in a pool that included Italy, Portugal, Scotland and Romania. The All Blacks comfortably made it through the pool play with scores of 76–14, 108–13, 40–0 and 85–8 respectively. McCaw made just three appearances (two starts and one as a reserve) due to Henry's rotation policy. In the quarter-finals the All Blacks lost to France 18–20, resulting in New Zealand's earliest exit from a World Cup. With semi-final exits after being among the favourites at the 1991, 1999 and 2003 World Cups, they were once again accused of "choking on the world's biggest stage".<ref name="emotional">Template:Cite news</ref>

An emotional McCaw could not hide his disappointment at the after-match press conference: "If I knew the answers we would have sorted it out. We will be thinking about it for a long time".<ref name="emotional" /> McCaw denied New Zealand's easy run into the quarter-finals played a part in the loss "A lot of the guys have been through this before, they've played big test matches."<ref name="emotional" /> Graham Henry's policy of using squad rotation and resting key players during the Super 14 was criticised.<ref name="Slade">Template:Cite news</ref> McCaw also came under attack. He was accused of not inspiring his team, lacking the ability to change policy when plan A was not working<ref name="Slade" /> and not providing enough leadership on the field.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

2008

Head shot of McCaw

McCaw in London, 2008

Despite much speculation that Henry would lose the All Black coaching job to coach Robbie Deans, he was retained on a contract for the next two years,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> later extended to include the 2011 World Cup.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He immediately stated that he would retain McCaw as his captain. Robbie Deans instead signed with the Australian Rugby Union, becoming head coach of Australia.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In Deans' last season (2008) as Crusaders coach they won the Super Rugby title for the seventh time.<ref name="deans 2008">Template:Cite news</ref> Ireland and England toured to New Zealand in June 2008 and the All Blacks came away with a hard-fought win against Ireland, and two comfortable victories against England. McCaw tore a ligament in his ankle against England and missed the start of the Tri Nations.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Rodney So'oialo was made stand-in captain and started the Tri Nations with a win and two losses.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> McCaw returned for the fourth game and the All Blacks won the remaining three matches to retain the Tri Nations title and Bledisloe Cup.<ref name="review 2008">Template:Cite news</ref> McCaw was seen as an inspiration after his return from injury,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> with Henry rating his performance in the 19–0 win in South Africa (the first time the South Africans had been kept scoreless on home soil in 105 years) as his best so far for the All Blacks.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 2008 a fourth Bledisloe match was played in Hong Kong with the intention of expanding the game of rugby<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and in a close 19–14 game McCaw scored the match winning try. The Grand Slam tour to the United Kingdom and Ireland resulted in victories over Scotland (32–6), Ireland (22–3), Wales (29–9) and England (32–6).<ref name="review 2008" /> During 2008 McCaw won every test he captained and a total of 26 out of 28 games he played in at all levels. The All Blacks won 13 of a record 15 tests, retained the Bledisloe Cup and Tri Nations Trophy, completed the Grand Slam and reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking from South Africa.<ref name="review 2008" />

McCaw finished 2008 by making his debut for the Barbarians against Australia at Twickenham in an 11–18 loss.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

2009–2010

The Crusaders, under new coach Todd Blackadder, had a slow start to the 2009 season, losing four of their first five games. They recovered to finish fourth on the table, losing the semi-final at Loftus Versfeld to the Bulls.<ref name="Steyn 2009">Template:Cite news</ref> McCaw injured his knee and missed the start of the international season,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> returning for the Tri Nations tournament. South Africa beat the All Blacks in every match to win the title and regain the number 1 ranking, with New Zealand beating Australia three times to finish second.<ref name="tour 2009">Template:Cite news</ref> It was the first time New Zealand had not won the competition in five years and the fifth time since the Tri Nations started in 1996. A fourth Bledisloe Test against Australia was played in Japan before New Zealand toured Europe. Although New Zealand won every match on tour, an earlier loss to France and three defeats by the South Africans were the most suffered by the All Blacks in a season since McCaw joined the team in 2001.<ref name="tour 2009" /> Despite the team's relatively poor season, McCaw was named the IRB International Player of the Year for a second time.<ref name="tour 2009" />

The 2010 season started in much the same way with the Crusaders finishing fourth during the round robin stage and losing to the Bulls in the semi-final.<ref name="Bulls 2010">Template:Cite news</ref> During the season McCaw played his 100th Super Rugby game in a losing effort against the Cape Town-based Stormers.<ref name="100 Super Caps">Template:Cite news</ref> New Zealand recorded victories over the touring Ireland and Wales teams, Ireland losing their match by a record 66–28 after number eight Jamie Heaslip received a red card for kneeing McCaw in the head.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The All Blacks went through the Tri Nations undefeated<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> with the final game of the tournament against Australia marking McCaw's 52nd time captaining the All Blacks, surpassing Sean Fitzpatrick as New Zealand's most-capped test captain.<ref name="Capped Cap">Template:Cite news</ref>

The fourth Bledisloe Cup match was again scheduled for Hong Kong and Australia ended a ten match losing streak to the All Blacks.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It was to be the only loss the All Blacks would suffer that season as they went on to win another Grand Slam tour, defeating England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.<ref name="Grand Slam 2010">Template:Cite news</ref> In the match against Ireland McCaw, along with teammate Mils Muliaina played in their 93rd test match passing Sean Fitzpatrick to become the most capped All Blacks.<ref name="Capped Black">Template:Cite news</ref> At the end of the year McCaw was named the IRB International Player of the Year for the second successive season<ref name="IRB 2010">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and the New Zealand sportsperson of the year at the Halberg Awards.<ref name="Halberg 2010">Template:Cite news</ref>

2011 Rugby World Cup

File:Richie McCaw and the Webb Ellis cup after the Rugby World Cup final 2011.jpg

Richie McCaw holding the William Webb Ellis Trophy after the 2011 World Cup final

During preseason training in January 2011 McCaw injured his foot, subsequent x-rays revealed that he had received a stress fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot.<ref>"Richie McCaw sidelined by stress fracture", The Roar</ref> It was determined his best chance of recovery was to undergo an operation where a pin was inserted. As a result, McCaw missed the opening two months of the Super Rugby season.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> During the All Black's third Rugby World Cup pool match against France, McCaw became the first All Black to reach 100 test caps.<ref>[1] Template:Webarchive</ref> However, it was also during this match McCaw re-aggravated his foot injury. In order to rest his injury, he was forced to skip the more physical aspects of training and miss the All Blacks' final pool match against Canada. Prior to the quarter-final against Argentina McCaw decided against having another x-ray.<ref name=autogenerated2>"How I beat the pain to play in the World Cup final by Richie McCaw" Template:Webarchive. The Rugby Site,</ref> Following the re-occurrence of his injury it was uncertain whether McCaw could continue to play for the All Blacks, this forced the coaching staff to develop contingency plans and Matt Todd was called into the All Black training squad.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> McCaw was able to continue to play throughout the World Cup tournament and lifted the Webb Ellis trophy after a tense 8–7 victory over France. This was the lowest score in a final in World Cup history. After the final, the All Black coach Graham Henry stated "He can hardly walk and how he played today I just don't know,"<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and he acknowledged the All Blacks probably would not have won without him.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Following the World Cup x-rays showed that the screw in his foot, necessary to stop the deterioration of the original injury had caused a second fracture.<ref name=autogenerated2 /> The fracture again, required a further operation.

After the Rugby World Cup McCaw was selected in the RWC Dream Team. This team was determined by public vote, with over 160,000 votes cast.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In addition, for the second successive year McCaw was named the New Zealand sportsperson of the year at the Halberg Awards.<ref name=autogenerated3>Template:Cite news</ref>

2012–2015

Under new coach Steve Hansen, the All Blacks won 12 tests, drew one and only lost one test in 2012, as well as winning the new Rugby Championship with a 100% winning record. During this time McCaw overtook George Gregan for most times on the winning side with 94. He also recorded his 100th win against South Africa in Dunedin. McCaw was a nominee for the IRB Player of the Year award but lost out to teammate Dan Carter.Template:Citation needed

In the first half of 2013, in order to rest his body and improve his chances of playing in the 2015 Rugby World Cup McCaw enforced the sabbatical clause in his NZRFU contract. As a result, he only played the latter rounds of Super Rugby, and missed the 2013 French Test Series.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> He later returned to captain the All Blacks as they successfully defended the Rugby Championship. During this campaign, McCaw equalled (with Brian O'Driscoll of Ireland and John Smit of South Africa) the record as captaining the most test matches (83). McCaw subsequently overtook this record when playing in Japan on 2 November 2013.<ref name="espnscrum1">"Test matches – Most matches as a captain", ESPN Scrum; accessed 21 December 2016.</ref> Following the All Blacks victory over the Springboks in Ellis Park, McCaw has played and won at every major Rugby Test stadium.<ref name="autogenerated5">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Along with Kieran Read, McCaw led the All Blacks to a perfect season in 2013, winning 14 out of 14.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

McCaw captained New Zealand for the 100th time on 22 November 2014 in the end of year international against Wales.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> He is the first rugby union player to achieve 100 caps as captain.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On 15 August 2015, McCaw surpassed Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll world record, as the most capped rugby player when he won his 142nd cap against Australia in the Bledisloe Cup.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> He would go on to hold this title for five years until 31 October 2020 when Welsh captain Alun Wyn Jones got his 149th cap.

On 31 October 2015, McCaw captained New Zealand to retain the Rugby World Cup after a 34–17 win against Australia in the final at Twickenham.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> This match was the thirteenth Rugby World Game as captain and is the current world record for this statistic.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> During the tournament he received a yellow card for foottripping in the opening game against Argentina.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Dead link</ref> On 19 November 2015, McCaw announced his retirement from rugby.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Leading of haka

File:McCaw Haka2007.jpg

McCaw leading a reindition of the haka 'Ka Mate' against France

Despite McCaw often being captain in tests, he generally turned down the role of haka leader (kaea). He only served as the kaea in 11 tests, only when the All Blacks performed 'Ka Mate'.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Playing style

McCaw predominately played at openside flanker, although he has played in the other "loose forward" positions of blindside flanker and number eight for the Crusaders.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> The openside flanker binds to the side of the scrum farthest from the touch-line and is usually one of the first players to reach a breakdown. In 2008, McCaw told the IRB:

"My main role as a flanker is, defensively, to tie in with the back line to ensure that the defence works well. On attack I think my primary role at first phase is to look after our ball. You attack the back line and I'm usually the first person there to make sure we secure that ball. Thirdly I put pressure on break downs and make sure I disturb their ball and try to turn their ball over."<ref name="master class">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

McCaw has been described as the best openside flanker of all time.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He has been awarded the IRB Player of the Year a record three times and has been nominated on eight occasions. When he received the IRB Player of The Year award for the third time former Australian lock and award chairperson John Eales described him as "an outstanding captain, a world class player and a role model for our sport".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Along with Dan Carter, he is seen as one of the most influential members of the All Blacks.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> McCaw considers his ability to anticipate play as one of his most important skills.<ref name="master class"/>

Australian openside David Pocock, who was also shortlisted for the IRB award, admires the way he reads the game as well as his ability to read the referee.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> One of McCaw's strengths is his ability to re-invent himself.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> For example, he adapted quickly to changes in the breakdown laws<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> (e.g., the 2008 the Experimental Law Variations (ELVS) and the 2010 New IRB Law Interpretations)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and, over time, other areas of his game.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Not all agree with McCaw's playing style and many believe that he pushes the boundaries of legality. He has been labelled a "cheat" by both former South Africa coach Peter de Villiers<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and former Australian coach Bob Dwyer.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Longtime Springboks lock Victor Matfield said in 2010 that the referees let "him get away with murder" at the breakdown.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Shortly after the 2011 Rugby World Cup final, veteran France back-rower Imanol Harinordoquy criticised McCaw saying that "he played the whole match in our [Frances] camp."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Former Australian coach Eddie Jones and flanker Phil Waugh say he does no more than any other good openside, but his skill at judging how the referee will interpret the breakdown is the main reason for his success.<ref name="proof">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> McCaw admits that he tests the referee early "to know what you can get away with"<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and that only an "idiot" would not adapt to their rulings.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Teammate Aaron Mauger,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> along with many New Zealand fans, have suggested that McCaw's influence and playing style has made him a target for illegitimate play.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> International players Phil Waugh,<ref name="bold call">Template:Cite news</ref> Jamie Heaslip,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Marcus Horan,<ref name="bold call"/> Lote Tuqiri,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Andy Powell,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Dylan Hartley,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Quade Cooper,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Dean Greyling,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Kevin McLaughlin<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and Scott Higginbotham<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> have been accused of making "cheap shots" on McCaw. He has even been on the receiving end from his All Black teammates when playing for the Crusaders, with Neemia Tialata, Jerry Collins and Ali Williams becoming frustrated with his play.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> According to McCaw "what happens on the field stays on the field" and if he gets extra attention it is because he "must be doing something right".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 2012, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans and selectors wagered the potential returns in finishing games with two openside flankers on the field as a way to counter McCaw.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In September 2012 after the All Blacks v South African Test in Dunedin, then South African coach Heyneke Meyer said that McCaw was the greatest rugby player the world has ever seen.<ref>.Sky Sports NZ Interview with coach post match.</ref> Following the All Blacks win over Wallabies to claim their 3rd World Cup, All Blacks Coach Steve Hansen praised McCaw's and Dan Carter's career efforts, distinguishing McCaw from Carter:

“Richie is the best All Black we have ever had and Dan is a close second,” said Hansen. “The only thing that separates them is Richie has played 148 matches at flanker, which is unheard of - you put your body on the line every time you go there. The challenge for the other guys now is to try and become as great as him and Dan.”<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

International record by opposition

citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	Played	Won	Lost	Drawn	Tries	Points	% Won
Template:Ru	10	10	0	0	1	5	{{#expr:10/10*100 round 2}}
Template:Ru	37	29	6	2	11	55	{{#expr:29/37*100 round 2}}
British and Irish Lions	2	2	0	0	1	5	{{#expr:2/2*100 round 2}}
Template:Ru	2	2	0	0	0	0	{{#expr:2/2*100 round 2}}
Template:Ru	14	12	2	0	1	5	{{#expr:12/14*100 round 2}}
Template:Ru	2	2	0	0	0	0	{{#expr:2/2*100 round 2}}
Template:Ru	13	12	1	0	1	5	{{#expr:12/13*100 round 2}}
Template:Ru	1	1	0	0	0	0	{{#expr:1/1*100 round 2}}
Template:Ru	14	14	0	0	0	0	{{#expr:14/14*100 round 2}}
Template:Ru	3	3	0	0	4	20	{{#expr:3/3*100 round 2}}
Template:Ru	1	1	0	0	1	5	{{#expr:1/1*100 round 2}}
Template:Ru	1	1	0	0	0	0	{{#expr:1/1*100 round 2}}
Template:Ru	1	1	0	0	0	0	{{#expr:1/1*100 round 2}}
Template:Ru	7	7	0	0	1	5	{{#expr:7/7*100 round 2}}
Template:Ru	1	1	0	0	0	0	{{#expr:1/1*100 round 2}}
Template:Ru	26	20	6	0	6	30	{{#expr:20/26*100 round 2}}
Template:Ru	2	2	0	0	0	0	{{#expr:2/2*100 round 2}}
Template:Ru	11	11	0	0	0	0	{{#expr:11/11*100 round 2}}
Total	148	131	15	2	27	135	{{#expr:131/148*100 round 2}}

Playing achievements

Year	Canterbury (NPC)<ref group="n">The competition was originally called the National Provincial Championship (NPC) until 2006. It was then split into two competitions, the Air New Zealand Cup and the Heartland Championship.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Canterbury contested the Air New Zealand Cup, which was later renamed the ITM Cup due to a change in sponsorship in 2010<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and since 2016 has been known as the Mitre 10 Cup.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref></ref>	Crusaders (Super Rugby)	All Blacks (Tri Nations/ The Rugby Championship)<ref group="n">The competition was called the Tri Nations from its formation in 1996 through 2011. It was renamed The Rugby Championship starting in 2012 when Argentina entered the competition.</ref>	Awards	Career highlights
2001	Champions<ref name="Unfazed 2001" />	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> (played only eight minutes)<ref name="Gray17-7-09" />	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> McCaw was not to make his All Black debut until the end of year tour, after the Tri Nations had finished.</ref>	New Zealand Under 21 Player of the Year<ref name="Blackadder2001" /> NPC Division One Player of the Year<ref name="Blackadder2001" />	All Black debut<ref name="impact 2001" />
2002	Semi-finalist<ref name="Auckland2002" />	Champions<ref name="Crusaders 2002" />	Champions<ref name="Kimmage 2006" />	International Rugby Players Association Newcomer of the Year<ref name=autogenerated4 />	Perfect season with Crusaders
2003	Did not play<ref name="Spectators2003" />	Finalist<ref name="Blues 2003" />	Champions<ref name="measure 2003" />	New Zealand Player of the Year<ref name="Kel Tremain 2003" />	2003 World Cup
2004	Champions<ref name="unfinished 2004" />	Finalist<ref name="blitz 2004" />	Did not play due to injury<ref name="concussions 2004" />	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	Captain of Canterbury<ref name=autogenerated1>Template:Cite news</ref>
2005	Semi-finalist<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>	Champions<ref name="farewell" />	Champions<ref name="Blackyear" />		Captain of the Crusaders<ref name=autogenerated1 /> British and Irish Lions<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Grand Slam<ref name="Blackyear" />
2006	Quarter-finalist<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>	Champions<ref name="fog2006" />	Champions<ref name="rampant 2006" />	New Zealand Player of the Year<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> IRB International Player of the Year<ref name="IRB 2006" />	Captain of the All Blacks<ref name="captain 2006" />
2007	Semi-finalist<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>	Semi-finalist<ref name="Semis 2007" />	Champions<ref name="tri nations 2007" />		2007 World Cup
2008	Champions<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>	Champions<ref name="deans 2008" />	Champions<ref name="review 2008" />		Grand Slam<ref name="review 2008" />
2009	Champions<ref name="nzherald.co.nz">Template:Cite news</ref>	Semi-finalist<ref name="Steyn 2009" />	2nd<ref name="tour 2009" />	New Zealand Player of the Year<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> IRB International Player of the Year<ref name="tour 2009" />
2010	Champions<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>	Semi-finalist<ref name="Bulls 2010" />	Champions<ref name="thriller 2010">Template:Cite news</ref>	IRB International Player of the Year<ref name="IRB 2010" /> New Zealand Sportsman of the Year<ref name="Halberg 2010" />	100 Super Rugby caps<ref name="100 Super Caps" /> Grand Slam<ref name="Grand Slam 2010" /> Most capped All Black captain<ref name="Capped Cap" /> Equal most capped All Black<ref name="Capped Black" />
2011	Champions<ref name="nzherald.co.nz" />	Finalist<ref name="Steyn 2009" />	2nd<ref name="tour 2009" />	New Zealand Sportsman of the Year<ref name=autogenerated3 />	100 Test Caps 2011 World Cup Champion
2012		Semi-finalist<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>	Champions<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	100 test wins Most caps as captain<ref name="espnscrum1" />
2013		citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>		'Perfect Year' (14 wins from 14 tests)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
2014		Finalist<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>	Champions		citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Most tries by any player against a tier-one opponent (11 tries against Australia)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Victory at every major test rugby stadium<ref name="autogenerated5" />
2015		7th	2nd		Most-capped international test player 2015 World Cup champion

Personal life

In January 2013, it was reported that he had been seeing hockey player Gemma Flynn for the past six months.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> McCaw announced his engagement to Flynn in January 2016.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> They married on 14 January 2017.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Their daughter was born in December 2018<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and a second daughter in May 2021.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Their third daughter Ella Mae was born in April 2023.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In December 2024, McCaw's family said they were soon to move to Wānaka after 10 years living in Christchurch.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

His other sporting passion is flying and he was made an honorary Squadron Leader in the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 2010<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and was promoted to honorary Wing Commander in September 2016.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

McCaw was taught to fly gliders by his grandfather J H 'Jim' McCaw who flew more than 300 missions in the Second World War.<ref name="times">Template:Cite newsTemplate:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore</ref> In 2009 he convinced the head of the Discovery network in Australia and New Zealand to do a show about gliding.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> They filmed McCaw gliding at Omarama on the extreme sports series Sportstar Insider, which was hosted by Australian former rugby league footballer Andrew Ettingshausen. After the 2010 Canterbury earthquake, he auctioned a personal flying lesson through Trade Me to raise money for the badly damaged Hororata St Johns Church.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> He also raised money for a young Samoan who broke his neck playing rugby and whose village was destroyed in the 2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It was revealed at his retirement announcement in 2015 that McCaw would work at Christchurch Helicopters, where he is a Director and Shareholder, and was obtaining a commercial helicopter licence.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> McCaw has since obtained said licence and has continued working as a helicopter pilot. He flew several rescue and reconnaissance missions following the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake that struck the South Island.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He also performed milk drops around rural areas of New Zealand while having an endorsement with Fonterra, in which his sister and her husband are dairy farmers.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Dead link</ref>

In 2010, McCaw and Dan Carter were on a NZ$750,000 a year contract that saw them through to the end of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, making them the highest paid rugby players in New Zealand at the time. This contract would still have applied if they had not been selected for the World Cup squad.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Honours and awards

In 2019, World Rugby inducted McCaw to its Hall of Fame, alongside Shiggy Konno, Os du Randt, Peter Fatialofa, Graham Henry, and Diego Ormaechea.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Order of New Zealand

File:Richie McCaw ONZ investiture.jpg

McCaw (left), after his investiture as a Member of the Order of New Zealand by the governor-general, Sir Jerry Mateparae, at Government House, Wellington, in April 2016

In December 2011, then Prime Minister John Key revealed that he had asked McCaw about the possibility of a knighthood in the 2012 New Year Honours, but that McCaw had turned it down. According to Key, "He made the call that he's still in his playing career and it didn't feel quite right for him, that day where he's no longer on the pitch may be the right time for him." No formal offer was ultimately made.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> McCaw was appointed a member of New Zealand's highest honour, the Order of New Zealand, in the 2016 New Year Honours. The honour surpassed the knighthood he had previously turned down prior to his retirement because only 20 living New Zealanders can gain membership at any one time.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> McCaw represented the Order in the Royal Procession at the 2023 Coronation.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

External links

• Template:All Blacks
• Template:ESPNscrum

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