McCaw’s longevity at the highest level is remarkable in itself, but to have played for so long with such effect in arguably rugby union’s most punishing position – openside flanker – sets him apart.
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“I’ve enjoyed my time as a rugby player but I’m excited about what’s coming forward, what’s coming in the future”.
But I have hope. He lives through his teachings to me and he will live on through my teachings to others, to my son, and to other Munster players.
“When I became an All Black he was in the team”, said McCaw.
Brad Shields from Wellington looks like a new number 6, Akira Ioane is a potential great, as are George Moala, Lima Sopoaga, and Charlie Ngatai.
Before the official announcement from New Zealand Rugby’s headquarters, he posted the news on Facebook.
McCaw faced damning criticism of his captaincy from the New Zealand public in the wake of the loss but said the lessons learned laid the foundation for subsequent success. “Knowing that I was able to end my career by helping the All Blacks win the Rugby World Cup Final is a hugely satisfying feeling”, McCaw said in a statement.
McCaw added that he is now planning to pursue a career as a helicopter pilot.
“I knew with a World Cup there are no in-betweens”, he said.
“On behalf of the All Blacks, we want to congratulate Richie on everything he has achieved in his career”, he told the All Blacks official website.
Amid the tributes, rivals were also hoping McCaw’s departure would make the All Blacks more vulnerable, particularly since fellow greats such as Dan Carter, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Keven Mealamu are also leaving.
Managers often make wholesale changes to teams due to the game’s physicality, but McCaw’s importance means he’s only been taken off before a game has finished in 30 of his 148 tests.
“Richie’s record speaks for itself, he is one of the all-time greats of our game and the greatest ever All Blacks captain”, he said. “Having been involved in the majority of those Test matches, I can’t recall him ever playing a bad game”.
“His strength and passion were a source of inspiration to us all”, Freeman tweeted.
He won his 100th cap in that tournament but chose to stay on for another four years to lead New Zealand’s title defence in England.
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Since 2004, when those six players cemented their places in the side, the All Blacks have won 137 of 157 Tests, losing 18 and drawing two.
