Richie McCaw
Birth name | Richard Hugh McCaw | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date of birth | 31 December 1980 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Place of birth | Oamaru, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Height | 187 cm (6 ft 2 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weight | 107 kg (236 lb; 16 st 12 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
School | Otago Boys' High School | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
University | Lincoln University | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Richard Hugh McCaw ONZ (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.[1] 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 the only captain to have won two Rugby World Cups.[2]
McCaw holds the international record for most game wins as a player at 131.[3] He also holds the international record for most games as a captain at 110.[4]
Family and early years
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,[5] 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.[6]
On New Year's Eve 1980, Richard Hugh McCaw was born in the nearby town of Oamaru.[7] He grew up on his parents' farm along with his sister Joanna. McCaw started flying gliders with his grandfather J H 'Jim' McCaw,[8] a Tempest pilot during World War II credited with shooting down 20 V1 missiles, when he was nine years old.[5] He played rugby for the local Kurow rugby club as a youngster,[6] but it was not until 1994, when he boarded at Otago Boys' High School in Dunedin, that he started to take the game seriously.[5]
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.[6][9] 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.[5] However, he failed to make the New Zealand Secondary Schools Team, losing out to Sam Harding, Angus McDonald and Hale T-Pole.[9] 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.[6] He achieved all but two papers for his Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree before deciding to pursue his rugby career instead.[10] He received an honorary doctorate in recognition of his sporting achievements in April 2012.[11]
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.[5] 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.[12] On 31 March 2001, he made his Super Rugby debut with the Crusaders, playing a few minutes in a losing effort against the Hurricanes.[6][13] That year he only played twice for the Crusaders, both times as a substitute, for a total of just eight minutes playing time.[14] He did however play a full season with NPC champions Canterbury and captained the New Zealand Under 21s.[15][16]
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".[17]
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.[18] 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.[19] 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.[20] 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."[20]
McCaw played all three tests on the tour, with the All Blacks beating Scotland 37–6[21] and winning 24–20 against Argentina.[22] 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.[23]
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[24] and losing to the Blues in 2003.[25] The Canterbury provincial rugby team lost the semi-final to the eventual winners Auckland in 2002.[26] McCaw and the other All Blacks were "rested" during the 2003 national provincial championship.[27]
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.[5] The 14–16 loss occurred in New Zealand's third Tri Nations match and ensured the Bledisloe Cup stayed with Australia.[28] 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.[29] 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.[6] McCaw was rested, along with 20 other members of the Tri Nations squad, from the 2002 end-of-year tour to Europe.[30]
In 2002 McCaw was voted as Newcomer of the Year by the International Rugby Players Association.[31] 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.[32] The 2003 All Blacks retained the Tri Nations title,[32] regained the Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 1997[33] and were ranked second behind England leading into the World Cup.[34]
McCaw was selected as openside flanker for the 2003 All Blacks World Cup squad[35] and played in every game at the tournament. New Zealand won all their pool games[36] and beat South Africa in the quarter-finals[37] to qualify for a semi-final match-up against Australia. In an upset,[38] the Australians defeated the All Blacks, knocking them out of the tournament.[39] At the end of the season awards McCaw received the Kel Tremain Trophy for the New Zealand Rugby Union player of the year.[40]
2004–2005
The Crusaders finished as runner-ups in the 2004 Super 12 season, losing the final to the Brumbies.[41] Following the World Cup, John Mitchell was dropped as All Black coach[42] 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.[5] Still suffering headaches a month later,[43] he withdrew from the rest of the home campaign and the 2004 Tri Nations to focus on recovery.[44] McCaw returned to captain Canterbury to the finals at the tail end of the NPC season.[45] 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.[46]
In April 2005, while captaining the Crusaders,[47] 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.[48] 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".[5] A month later, in May 2005, McCaw returned to training with the Crusaders and led them in their semi-final and final victories.[49]
McCaw returned to international rugby in 2005, playing in the 91–0 victory over Fiji before the British and Irish Lions arrived.[50] He then played the first two test against the Lions, including a record 48–18 victory in Wellington.[51] 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.[52] He missed the game against England after suffering his third serious head knock against Ireland.[53] 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.[54]
2006–2007
McCaw led the Crusaders to the Super Rugby title again in 2006.[55] In May 2006, at the age of 25 and after 36 test matches, McCaw was named captain of the All Blacks.[56] 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.[57] McCaw started his captaincy with victory over Ireland[58][59] and then mentored stand-in captain Jerry Collins in Argentina.[60] New Zealand emerged as 2006 Tri Nations champions (the only loss away to South Africa by one point) and retained the Bledisloe Cup.[61] 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.[62]
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.[63] McCaw returned to the Crusaders in the eighth round and helped them reach the semi-finals.[64] New Zealand then beat a below-strength[65] 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.[66] 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.[67]
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".[68]
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".[68] 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."[68] Graham Henry's policy of using squad rotation and resting key players during the Super 14 was criticised.[69] 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[69] and not providing enough leadership on the field.[70]
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,[71] later extended to include the 2011 World Cup.[72] 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.[73] In Deans' last season (2008) as Crusaders coach they won the Super Rugby title for the seventh time.[74] 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.[75]
Rodney So'oialo was made stand-in captain and started the Tri Nations with a win and two losses.[76][77] McCaw returned for the fourth game and the All Blacks won the remaining three matches to retain the Tri Nations title and Bledisloe Cup.[78] McCaw was seen as an inspiration after his return from injury,[79] 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.[80]
In 2008 a fourth Bledisloe match was played in Hong Kong with the intention of expanding the game of rugby[81] 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).[78] 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.[78]
McCaw finished 2008 by making his debut for the Barbarians against Australia at Twickenham in an 11–18 loss.[82][83]
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.[84] McCaw injured his knee and missed the start of the international season,[85] 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.[86] 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.[86] Despite the team's relatively poor season, McCaw was named the IRB International Player of the Year for a second time.[86]
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.[87] During the season McCaw played his 100th Super Rugby game in a losing effort against the Cape Town-based Stormers.[88] 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.[89] The All Blacks went through the Tri Nations undefeated[90] 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.[91]
The fourth Bledisloe Cup match was again scheduled for Hong Kong and Australia ended a ten match losing streak to the All Blacks.[92] 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.[93] 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.[94] At the end of the year McCaw was named the IRB International Player of the Year for the second successive season[95][96] and the New Zealand sportsperson of the year at the Halberg Awards.[97]
2011 Rugby World Cup
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.[98] 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.[99][100] During the All Black's third Rugby World Cup pool match against France, McCaw became the first All Black to reach 100 test caps.[101] 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.[102] 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.[103] 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,"[104] and he acknowledged the All Blacks probably would not have won without him.[105] 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.[102] 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.[106] In addition, for the second successive year McCaw was named the New Zealand sportsperson of the year at the Halberg Awards.[107]
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.[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.[108] 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.[109] Following the All Blacks victory over the Springboks in Ellis Park, McCaw has played and won at every major Rugby Test stadium.[110] Along with Kieran Read, McCaw led the All Blacks to a perfect season in 2013, winning 14 out of 14.[111]
McCaw captained New Zealand for the 100th time on 22 November 2014 in the end of year international against Wales.[112] He is the first rugby union player to achieve 100 caps as captain.[113] 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.[114] 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.[115] This match was the thirteenth Rugby World Game as captain and is the current world record for this statistic.[116] During the tournament he received a yellow card for foottripping in the opening game against Argentina.[117] On 19 November 2015, McCaw announced his retirement from rugby.[118][119]
Leading of haka
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'.[120]
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.[121] 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."[122]
McCaw has been described as the best openside flanker of all time.[123][124] 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".[125] Along with Dan Carter, he is seen as one of the most influential members of the All Blacks.[126] McCaw considers his ability to anticipate play as one of his most important skills.[122]
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.[127] One of McCaw's strengths is his ability to re-invent himself.[128] For example, he adapted quickly to changes in the breakdown laws[129] (e.g., the 2008 the Experimental Law Variations (ELVS) and the 2010 New IRB Law Interpretations)[130] and, over time, other areas of his game.[131]
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[132] and former Australian coach Bob Dwyer.[133] Longtime Springboks lock Victor Matfield said in 2010 that the referees let "him get away with murder" at the breakdown.[134] 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."[135] 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.[136][137] McCaw admits that he tests the referee early "to know what you can get away with"[138] and that only an "idiot" would not adapt to their rulings.[139]
Teammate Aaron Mauger,[140] along with many New Zealand fans, have suggested that McCaw's influence and playing style has made him a target for illegitimate play.[141] International players Phil Waugh,[142] Jamie Heaslip,[143] Marcus Horan,[142] Lote Tuqiri,[144] Andy Powell,[145] Dylan Hartley,[146] Quade Cooper,[147][148] Dean Greyling,[149] Kevin McLaughlin[150] and Scott Higginbotham[151] 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.[152] 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".[153]
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.[154] 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.[155] 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.”[156]
International record by opposition
Against[157] | Played | Won | Lost | Drawn | Tries | Points | % Won |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Argentina | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 100 |
Australia | 37 | 29 | 6 | 2 | 11 | 55 | 78.38 |
British and Irish Lions | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 100 |
Canada | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
England | 14 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 85.71 |
Fiji | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
France | 13 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 92.31 |
Georgia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
Ireland | 14 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
Italy | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 20 | 100 |
Japan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 100 |
Namibia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
Romania | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
Scotland | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 100 |
Samoa | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
South Africa | 26 | 20 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 30 | 76.92 |
Tonga | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
Wales | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
Total | 148 | 131 | 15 | 2 | 27 | 135 | 88.51 |
Playing achievements
Year | Canterbury (NPC)[n 1] | Crusaders (Super Rugby) | All Blacks (Tri Nations/ The Rugby Championship)[n 2] |
Awards | Career highlights |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2001 | Champions[15] | 10th[161] (played only eight minutes)[14] | Not selected[n 3] | New Zealand Under 21 Player of the Year[23] NPC Division One Player of the Year[23] |
All Black debut[20] |
2002 | Semi-finalist[26] | Champions[24] | Champions[5] | International Rugby Players Association Newcomer of the Year[31] | Perfect season with Crusaders |
2003 | Did not play[27] | Finalist[25] | Champions[32] | New Zealand Player of the Year[40] | 2003 World Cup |
2004 | Champions[45] | Finalist[41] | Did not play due to injury[44] | NPC Division One Player of the Year[166] | Captain of Canterbury[167] |
2005 | Semi-finalist[168] | Champions[49] | Champions[52] | Captain of the Crusaders[167] | |
2006 | Quarter-finalist[170] | Champions[55] | Champions[61] | New Zealand Player of the Year[171] IRB International Player of the Year[62] |
Captain of the All Blacks[56] |
2007 | Semi-finalist[172] | Semi-finalist[64] | Champions[67] | 2007 World Cup | |
2008 | Champions[173] | Champions[74] | Champions[78] | Grand Slam[78] | |
2009 | Champions[174] | Semi-finalist[84] | 2nd[86] | New Zealand Player of the Year[175] IRB International Player of the Year[86] |
|
2010 | Champions[176] | Semi-finalist[87] | Champions[177] | IRB International Player of the Year[95] New Zealand Sportsman of the Year[97] |
100 Super Rugby caps[88] Grand Slam[93] Most capped All Black captain[91] Equal most capped All Black[94] |
2011 | Champions[174] | Finalist[84] | 2nd[86] | New Zealand Sportsman of the Year[107] | 100 Test Caps 2011 World Cup Champion |
2012 | Semi-finalist[178] | Champions[179] | New Zealand Player of the Year[180] | 100 test wins
Most caps as captain[109] | |
2013 | Semi-finalist[181] | Champions[182] | 'Perfect Year'
(14 wins from 14 tests)[183] | ||
2014 | Finalist[184] | Champions | Most Test tries by a forward from a tier-one nation (24 tries)[185]
Most tries by any player against a tier-one opponent (11 tries against Australia)[186] Victory at every major test rugby stadium[110] | ||
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.[187] McCaw announced his engagement to Flynn in January 2016.[188] They married on 14 January 2017.[189] Their daughter was born in December 2018[190] and a second daughter in May 2021.[191] Their third daughter Ella Mae was born in April 2023.[192]
His other sporting passion is flying and he was made an honorary Squadron Leader in the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 2010[193] and was promoted to honorary Wing Commander in September 2016.[194]
McCaw was taught to fly gliders by his grandfather J H 'Jim' McCaw who flew more than 300 missions in the Second World War.[195] In 2009 he convinced the head of the Discovery network in Australia and New Zealand to do a show about gliding.[196] 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.[197] He is also raising money for a young Samoan who broke his neck playing rugby and whose village was destroyed in the 2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami.[198] 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.[199] 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.[200] 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.[201]
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.[202]
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.[203]
Order of New Zealand
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.[204] 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.[205][206] McCaw represented the Order in the Royal Procession at the 2023 Coronation.[207]
Notes
- ^ 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.[158] Canterbury contested the Air New Zealand Cup, which was later renamed the ITM Cup due to a change in sponsorship in 2010[159] and since 2016 has been known as the Mitre 10 Cup.[160]
- ^ 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.
- ^ The openside flankers selected in the Tri Nations squad were Taine Randell and Marty Holah.[162][163][164][165] McCaw was not to make his All Black debut until the end of year tour, after the Tri Nations had finished.
References
- ^ Rees, Paul (29 October 2020). "Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones will set world Test caps record against Scotland". The Guardian.
- ^ Palmer, Justin. "Captain fantastic McCaw leads from the front". Reuters. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
- ^ White, Martin. "Richie McCaw". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
- ^ "Most international appearances in rugby union as captain". Guinness World Records. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Kimmage, Paul (5 November 2006). "The Big Interview: Richie McCaw". Times. UK. Archived from the original on 3 February 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f Wynne Gray (12 May 2006). "The rise and rise of Richie McCaw". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ Palenski, Ron (19 September 2016). "Rugby union - Rugby World Cup". Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
- ^ "All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has special reason to recognise Armistice Day". The Daily Telegraph. 10 November 2008.
- ^ a b "McCaw fulfils destiny as All Black captain". Otago Daily Times. 13 May 2006.
- ^ "Richie McCaw: Honorary doctorate 'pretty awesome'". TVOne News. 20 April 2012. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
- ^ Stewart, Ashleigh (20 April 2012). "All Blacks captain McCaw receives doctorate". Rugby Heaven. Archived from the original on 23 February 2013. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
- ^ "Richie McCaw: Player Profile". Canterbury Rugby Football Union. Archived from the original on 26 May 2010. Retrieved 30 December 2010.
- ^ "Player Profiles: Richie McCaw". Crusaders. Archived from the original on 26 May 2010. Retrieved 30 December 2010.
- ^ a b Wynne Gray (17 July 2009). "All Blacks: Ruling game from sun-up to breakdown". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ a b "McCaw unfazed by Kronfeld criticism". The New Zealand Herald. 9 November 2001.
- ^ "Colts players tipped for greater things". The New Zealand Herald. 2 July 2001.
- ^ "Kronfeld critical of the new No 7s". The New Zealand Herald. 6 November 2001.
- ^ Guyer, Julian (20 November 2010). "Lansdowne Road impresses McCaw". Times Live. South Africa.
- ^ Hinto, Marc (20 June 2005). "Interview: Richie McCaw". The Guardian. London.
- ^ a b c "Bruised star makes big impact". The New Zealand Herald. 19 November 2001.
- ^ "All Blacks have to find some answers". The New Zealand Herald. 23 June 2002.
- ^ Gray, Wynne (3 December 2001). "All Blacks almost humbled by Pumas". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ a b c "Blackadder is named our top rugby personality". The New Zealand Herald. 6 December 2001.
- ^ a b Gray, Wynne (25 May 2002). "Crusaders all-conquering champions of Super 12". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ a b "Blues are Super 12 champs". The New Zealand Herald. 24 May 2003.
- ^ a b Gray, Wynne (19 October 2002). "Auckland one step from glory". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ a b "Canterbury spectators as NPC climax nears". The New Zealand Herald. 12 October 2003.
- ^ Ella, Mark (9 August 2002). "Backs hog headlines but the pigs save our bacon". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ "Crash tackled ref to sue Bok 'fan'". The Sydney Morning Herald. 12 August 2002.
- ^ "Randell back as captain of new-look All Blacks". The New Zealand Herald. 28 October 2002.
- ^ a b "player profiles – Richie McCaw" Archived 11 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine allblacks.com
- ^ a b c "World Cup will measure success of Mitchell's journey". The New Zealand Herald. 30 September 2003.
- ^ "All Blacks 'delighted' to reclaim Bledisloe Cup". The New Zealand Herald. 17 August 2003.
- ^ "IRB World Rankings – 13 October 2003". International Rugby Board. Archived from the original on 5 November 2010.
- ^ Perrott, Alan (26 August 2003). "Braid's selection 'bolt out of the blue'". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ "All Blacks survive Wales scare". BBC Sport. 2 November 2003.
- ^ "New Zealand 29–9 South Africa". The Guardian. UK. 8 November 2003.
- ^ "Australian press savages the 'wobbly' Wallabies". The New Zealand Herald. 10 November 2003.
- ^ "Australia shock New Zealand". BBC Sport. 15 November 2003.
- ^ a b Choy, Harris (26 November 2003). "McCaw scoops NZ rugby player of the year award". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ a b "First-half blitz deja vu for Deans". The New Zealand Herald. 24 May 2004.
- ^ Wynne Gray (20 December 2003). "New position dream come true for Henry". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ Wynne Gray (14 July 2004). "McCaw a selection headache". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ a b "McCaw ruled out of remaining Tri-Nations tests". The New Zealand Herald. 28 July 2004.
- ^ a b Wynne Gray (18 September 2004). "Richie McCaw's unfinished business". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ Wynne Gray (18 November 2004). "McCaw explains how he will tackle captaincy". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ "Crusaders captaincy next step up ladder for McCaw". The New Zealand Herald. 18 January 2005.
- ^ Wynne Gray (11 April 2005). "Henry fretting over McCaw". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ a b Wynne Gray (30 May 2005). "Crusaders provide fitting farewell". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ "All Blacks scorch hapless Fiji". The New Zealand Herald. 10 June 2005.
- ^ Paul Smith (2 July 2005). "All Blacks secure record win over Lions". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ a b c Mitch Phillips (30 December 2005). "Black year for rugby". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ Mark Geenty (22 November 2005). "McCaw tipped to captain side if fit". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ "Carter named Player of Year, All Blacks Team of Year". The New Zealand Herald. 28 November 2005.
- ^ a b Gilhooly, Daniel (27 May 2006). "Crusaders emerge victorious in the fog". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ a b "No surprise as McCaw named All Blacks captain". The New Zealand Herald. 13 May 2006.
- ^ "Collins gets to captain All Blacks". The New Zealand Herald. 28 May 2006.
- ^ Gilhooly, Daniel (10 June 2006). "Creaky All Blacks just hold out Ireland". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ Gilhooly, Daniel (17 June 2006). "All Blacks scrape home again". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ Gilhooly, Daniel (18 June 2006). "Selectors have no doubts about Flavell". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ a b Brown, Michael (20 August 2006). "No stopping rampant All Blacks". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ a b "New Zealand scoop hat-trick of top IRB awards". The New Zealand Herald. 27 November 2006.
- ^ Cleaver, Dylan (28 January 2007). "Rugby: Deans confronts his toughest challenge". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ a b "Rugby: Deans not going for Wallabies job". The New Zealand Herald. 18 May 2007.
- ^ Gray, Wynne (16 June 2007). "Rugby: More a training run than a test". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ "Rugby: Thorne to captain ABs against Canada". The New Zealand Herald. 13 June 2007.
- ^ a b Gray, Wynne (23 July 2007). "Rugby: Pragmatic, sensible play wins Tri-Nations, saves Bledisloe". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ a b c Guyer, Julian (7 October 2007). "Rugby: McCaw struggles to cope with World Cup exit". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ a b Slade, Maria (21 October 2007). "Book blames Henry for loss". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ Hart, John (8 December 2007). "All Black takers rather than givers". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ Gray, Wynne (9 February 2008). "Rugby: 'I thought I'd lost my job', says Henry". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ Paul, Gregor (19 July 2009). "All Blacks: Eyes fixed on cup prize". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ Leggat, David (17 December 2007). "Rugby: Deans shows a ton of class". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ a b Gilhooly, Daniel (31 May 2008). "Rugby: Crusaders send Robbie off in style". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ Gray, Wynne (23 June 2008). "All Blacks: Win overshadowed by injury list". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ Gilhooly, Daniel (12 July 2008). "Springboks sink All Blacks in Dunedin". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ "All Blacks: McCaw back as coaches admit deficiencies". The New Zealand Herald. 29 July 2008.
- ^ a b c d e Gilhooly, Daniel (18 December 2008). "Review: All Blacks find redemption after successful 2008". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ Rattue, Chris (4 August 2008). "Chris Rattue: McCaw's return is the stuff of legends". New Zealalnd Herald.
- ^ Gray, Wynne (12 September 2008). "All Blacks: McCaw lets ball do talking". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ "Hong Kong to host Bledisloe Cup test". The New Zealand Herald. 3 March 2008.
- ^ "Richie McCaw welcomes festival end to year as Barbarians take on Wallabies at Wembley". The Telegraph. 2 December 2008.
- ^ "Barbarians 11–18 Australia". BBC Sport. 3 December 2008.
- ^ a b c "Rugby: Steyn boots Crusaders out of Super 14". The New Zealand Herald. 24 May 2009.
- ^ "Rugby: Injury puts McCaw out of All Black tests". The New Zealand Herald. 29 May 2009.
- ^ a b c d e f Gray, Wynne (4 December 2009). "All Blacks: The tour that salvaged a season". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ a b "Rugby: Errors sink Crusaders against rampaging Bulls". The New Zealand Herald. 23 May 2010.
- ^ a b Gray, Wynne (3 May 2010). "Rugby: Crusaders add to New Zealand's woe". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ Geenty, Mark (12 June 2010). "All Blacks crush 14-man Ireland". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ "All Blacks finish Tri Nations undefeated". SABC. 11 September 2010. Archived from the original on 28 June 2011.
- ^ a b Harris, Bret (11 September 2010). "Richie McCaw overtakes Sean Fitzpatrick in tonight's Bledisloe Test in Sydney as the All Blacks most-capped Test captain". Australian. News.
- ^ Barclay, Chris (31 October 2010). "Wallabies end 10-match losing streak". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ a b Barclay, Chris (28 November 2010). "All Blacks: Character, composure keys to Grand Slam". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ a b Gallagher, Brendan (18 November 2010). "Ireland v New Zealand: Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina deserve to break caps record, says Sean Fitzpatrick". The Daily Telegraph. London.
- ^ a b "All Blacks: Richie McCaw named player of the year". The New Zealand Herald. 2 December 2010.
- ^ "Richie McCaw wins IRB Player of the Year award for third time, All Blacks named team of the year". Fox Sport. 2 December 2010.
- ^ a b "All Whites score Halberg hat-trick". The New Zealand Herald. 10 February 2011.
- ^ "Richie McCaw sidelined by stress fracture", The Roar
- ^ "All Blacks: It's just a niggle – McCaw – Sport – NZ Herald News". The New Zealand Herald. 8 October 2011.
- ^ "Richie McCaw at No.8 for Force clash". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ [1] Archived 29 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b "How I beat the pain to play in the World Cup final by Richie McCaw" Archived 29 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine. The Rugby Site,
- ^ Williams, Richard (12 October 2011). "Rugby World Cup 2011: Richie McCaw worry stokes All Black anxiety". The Guardian. London.
- ^ Rees, Paul (23 October 2011). "Rugby World Cup final: New Zealand's Graham Henry praises Richie McCaw". The Guardian. London.
- ^ Hepburn, Steve (29 December 2012). "Rugby: Is the end nigh?". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
- ^ "Official RWC 2015 Site – RWC 2011 Facebook Dream Team". Archived from the original on 22 October 2013.
- ^ a b "Halberg sweep caps All Blacks' great year – Halberg Awards – NZ Herald News". The New Zealand Herald. 10 February 2012.
- ^ "Super Rugby 2013 playoff previews, Crusaders V Reds, Brumbies V Cheetahs – Story – 3 Sport". 3 News. Archived from the original on 8 May 2014. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
- ^ a b "Test matches – Most matches as a captain", ESPN Scrum; accessed 21 December 2016.
- ^ a b "All Blacks captain Richie McCaw wants to experience Ellis Park – The Rugby Championship". Keo.co.za. 29 September 2013. Archived from the original on 8 May 2014. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
- ^ "Perfect year for All Blacks". Planet Rugby. 24 November 2013. Archived from the original on 8 May 2014. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
- ^ "Wales v New Zealand: Richie McCaw landmark, Dan Carter out". BBC Sport. 20 November 2014. Retrieved 21 November 2014.
- ^ "New Zealand's Richie McCaw set to be first player to captain in 100 Tests". The Guardian. 20 November 2014. Retrieved 21 November 2014.
- ^ "New Zealand crush Australia 41–13 in Bledisloe Cup decider". The Guardian. 15 August 2015. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
- ^ "New Zealand beat Australia to retain Rugby World Cup". BBC Sport. 31 October 2015. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
- ^ "ALL-TIME LEADING PERFORMERS". Rugby World Cup Limited. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
- ^ "Richie-McCaw-accepts-responsibility-for-dumb-yello". BBC Sport. 31 October 2015. Retrieved 2 November 2015.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ "All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw retires - 'The last thing I wanted to do was limp to the end'". New Zealand Herald. 19 November 2015. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
- ^ "Richie McCaw: All Blacks captain retires from rugby". BBC Sport. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
- ^ "'Richie would always look at me like 'nah, nah, nah' when asked to lead AB haka: Piri Weepu". Stuff. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ^ Mortimer, James (17 April 2010). "It is different at the ruck, but McCaw will stay put" (Press release). All Blacks. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
- ^ a b "Back & McCaw: Open side master class". Total Rugby Radio. International Rugby Board. 21 November 2008. Archived from the original on 22 April 2014. Retrieved 21 April 2014.
- ^ Paul, Gregor; Lewis, Paul (15 August 2010). "McCaw vs Carter". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ Tucker, Jim (24 December 2009). "Richie McCaw deserves gong as rugby union's No.1 player". Courier-Mail.
- ^ "New Zealand honoured by trio of IRB Awards". International Rugby Board. 1 December 2010. Archived from the original on 3 December 2010.
- ^ Payten, Iain (9 September 2008). "In awe of McCaw". The Daily Telegraph.
- ^ Guinness, Rupert (8 September 2010). "'Good on him': Pocock applauds McCaw's smarts in pushing laws to limit". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ Taine Randell (14 September 2011). "Richie McCaw is still world's best flanker". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
- ^ "All Blacks unfazed by ELVs". Sky Sports.
- ^ "New IRB Law Interpretations 2010 | Southern California Rugby Referees Society". Archived from the original on 9 January 2014. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
- ^ "Richie McCaw, best rugby player of all time". The Roar. 18 October 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
- ^ "Springboks angered by referee". ESPN Scrum. 18 July 2010.
- ^ "Dwyer labels McCaw a cheat". The New Zealand Herald. 17 November 2008.
- ^ Mohamed, Adnaan (18 July 2010). "NZ getting away with murder". Sport24.
- ^ "Harinordoquy admits to French uprising". ESPN Scrum. 31 October 2011. Retrieved 7 October 2012.
- ^ Gedde, Jon (20 August 2009). "Picture proof Richie McCaw's a serial offender". The Daily Telegraph.
- ^ Rakic, Josh (25 July 2010). "Does this man get away with murder". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ Payten, Iain (28 July 2010). "McCaw – genius or cheat". The Daily Telegraph.
- ^ Nel, Brenden (18 August 2010). "McCaw: Only idiots don't adapt". Sport24.
- ^ Geenty, Mark (24 June 2007). "Mauger slams 'cheap shots' on McCaw". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ Morton, Jim; Salvado, John (28 June 2007). "McCaw ready for rough stuff". Fox Sports.
- ^ a b Gray, Wynne (9 June 2008). "Hansen makes a bold call: McCaw is better than Jones". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ Cadden, Phil (13 June 2010). "Red card for Heaslip gives All Blacks the green light". Independent. London, UK. Archived from the original on 10 November 2012. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
- ^ Peters, Austin (21 August 2006). "Tuqiri given 11-week ban for tackle". The Daily Telegraph. London, UK.
- ^ "All Blacks clinch Grand Slam". ESPN Scrum. 27 November 2010.
- ^ "McCaw slams 'inconsistency': Skipper insists All Blacks have to be 'squeaky clean' on tour". Sky Sport. 10 November 2010.
- ^ "Time to target Quade Cooper's cheap shots". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ "The good, the bad and … Munster". The Sydney Morning Herald. 28 November 2010.
- ^ "South Africa's Greyling banned for forearm smash on McCaw | SBS World…". Archived from the original on 15 June 2013.
- ^ "VIDEO: Was Richie McCaw repeatedly eye gouged by the Irish?". 3 News. Archived from the original on 22 April 2014. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
- ^ Chris Barclay (22 October 2012). "Scott Higginbotham receives two-game ban". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
- ^ Foley, Chris (24 August 2007). "Don't stamp on All Black skipper Richie". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ Cleaver, Dylan (18 November 2010). "All Blacks: McCaw – No grudges over Heaslip". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ Cully, Paul (11 August 2012). "Wallabies Bledisloe mission: to show McCaw his powers have been bettered". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ .Sky Sports NZ Interview with coach post match.
- ^ James, Steve (31 October 2015). "'Richie McCaw is the best All Black ever' says New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen". The Telegraph.
- ^ "Statsguru – Player analysis – Richie McCaw – Test matches". ESPN Scrum. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
- ^ Barclay, Chris (20 July 2006). "Will revamped NPC really fly with fans?". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ "Rugby: New name for NPC". The New Zealand Herald. 15 March 2010.
- ^ "Mitre 10 unveiled as new sponsor of national provincial rugby competitions" (Press release). New Zealand Rugby. 13 December 2015. Archived from the original on 16 December 2015. Retrieved 18 December 2015.
- ^ "Crusaders 2001 Season". Crusaders. Archived from the original on 13 May 2012. Retrieved 5 December 2010.
- ^ "Tri Nations – Cape Town, 21 Jul 2001". ESPN Scrum (stats guru).
- ^ "Tri Nations – Dunedin, 11 Aug 2001". ESPN Scrum (stats guru).
- ^ "Tri Nations – Auckland, 25 August 2001". ESPN Scrum (stats guru).
- ^ "Tri Nations – Sydney, 1 September 2001". ESPN Scrum (stats guru).
- ^ "Carter named Player of the Year". ESPN Scrum. 3 February 2005.
- ^ a b "McCaw to lead Crusaders – Sport – NZ Herald News". The New Zealand Herald. 17 January 2005.
- ^ Gray, Wynne (15 October 2005). "Otago surprise Canterbury". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ "New Zealand 38–19 Lions". BBC News. 9 July 2005.
- ^ Gray, Wynne (11 October 2006). "Grown-up team ready for Auckland". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ "McCaw adds NZ honour to haul". The New Zealand Herald. 15 December 2006.
- ^ "Rugby: Wellington hang on and deny desperate Canterbury". The New Zealand Herald. 14 October 2007.
- ^ Deane, Steve (27 October 2008). "Rugby: Canterbury eke out win in lacklustre final". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ a b "Rugby: Carter special seals Canterbury win". The New Zealand Herald. 15 October 2009.
- ^ "Richie McCaw rugby player of the year". The New Zealand Herald. 18 December 2009.
- ^ "Rugby: Canterbury romp to third straight title". The New Zealand Herald. 5 November 2010.
- ^ "All Blacks win last-minute thriller". The New Zealand Herald. 22 August 2010.
- ^ Pegden, Evan (27 July 2012). "Chiefs edge Crusaders in semi-final nailbiter". Rugby Heaven. Retrieved 7 October 2012.
- ^ "All Blacks crush Pumas to claim title". ESPN Scrum. 30 September 2012. Retrieved 7 October 2012.
- ^ "Winners of 2012 Steinlager Rugby Awards announced". Archived from the original on 15 June 2013. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
- ^ "VIDEO: All tries (20–19) Chiefs V Crusaders, Super Rugby semifinal 2013, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton – Story – 3 Sport". 3 News. Archived from the original on 17 April 2014. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
- ^ "All Blacks claim The Rugby Championship with Ellis Park win – Official SANZAR Site". Sanzarrugby.com. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
- ^ "Perfection! All Blacks make it 14 from 14 – Official SANZAR Site". Sanzarrugby.com. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
- ^ Sydney, Gregor Paul in (2 August 2014). "Chris Rattue: McCaw shows once again why he is revered". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
- ^ "Sports News, Rugby, NRL, Cricket, commentary, live scores – MSN NZ". Retrieved 30 December 2015.
- ^ "More Test rugby records for McCaw".
- ^ "Captain Richie dating young Black Sticks star". The New Zealand Herald. 23 January 2013. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
- ^ "Former All Black captain Richie McCaw engaged to Gemma Flynn". The Press. Fairfax New Zealand. 12 January 2015. p. A2. Retrieved 12 January 2015.
- ^ van Beynen, Martin (14 January 2017). "Richie McCaw's and Gemma Flynn's big day arrives". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
- ^ "Richie and Gemma McCaw announce birth of baby Charlotte: 'Our hearts are so full'". stuff.co.nz. 13 December 2018.
- ^ "Richie and Gemma McCaw welcome baby number two". New Zealand Herald. 3 June 2021.
- ^ "Gemma McCaw on Instagram: "Meet our new baby girl, Ella Mae McCaw 🤍 she was born on 3.4.23 weighing 7lb 10 oz and we are enjoying these precious moments as a family of 5 😍"".
- ^ "New high-flying role for McCaw". TVNZ. 12 March 2010. Archived from the original on 14 June 2011.
- ^ "Richie McCaw promoted to Wing Commander in Royal New Zealand Air Force". stuff.co.nz. 29 September 2016.
- ^ Souster, Mark (28 November 2009). "Richie McCaw combines substance with style". The Times. London.[dead link ]
- ^ Kara, Scott (25 October 2009). "Richie McCaw's other passion – gliding". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ "High flying All Blacks Captain auctions flight". NZ Aviation Magazine. 2 November 2010. Archived from the original on 9 December 2010.
- ^ "Richie McCaw's campaign for a young Samoan rugby star". 3 News. 12 August 2010. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
- ^ "McCaw aims for sky post-rugby". Stuff. 19 November 2015. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
- ^ Bayer, Kurt (14 November 2016). "All Blacks great Richie McCaw joins deadly earthquake rescue efforts". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
- ^ "Find Out More". www.fonterra.com. Retrieved 9 May 2018.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ Ford, Greg (14 November 2010). "Rodney So'oialo, Ali Williams on a roll". Star Times.
- ^ Observador, El. "Histórico: Diego Ormaechea es el primer uruguayo en el Salón de la Fama del rugby". El Observador.
- ^ "McCaw turns down knighthood". TVNZ. 16 December 2011. Retrieved 8 March 2012.
- ^ "Richie McCaw surpasses knighthood, appointed NZ's top honour". TVNZ. 30 December 2015. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
- ^ "McCaw joins exclusive club in honours list". www.newstalkzb.co.nz. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
- ^ "Coronation order of service in full". BBC News. 5 May 2023. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
External links
- Richie McCaw at the All Blacks (archive)
- Richie McCaw at ESPNscrum
- 1980 births
- Living people
- Members of the Order of New Zealand
- New Zealand autobiographers
- New Zealand rugby union players
- New Zealand people of Scottish descent
- New Zealand international rugby union players
- Canterbury rugby union players
- Crusaders (rugby union) players
- Rugby union flankers
- World Rugby Awards winners
- World Rugby Hall of Fame inductees
- World Rugby Players of the Year
- People educated at Otago Boys' High School
- Lincoln University (New Zealand) alumni
- Rugby union players from Oamaru
- Barbarian F.C. players
- Helicopter pilots
- Glider pilots
- New Zealand aviators
- 2003 Rugby World Cup players
- 2007 Rugby World Cup players
- 2011 Rugby World Cup players
- 2015 Rugby World Cup players