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The fourth Bledisloe Cup match was again scheduled for Hong Kong and Australia finally ended a ten match losing streak to the All Blacks.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wallabies end 10-match losing streak|author=Chris Barclay|date=Sunday Oct 31, 2010|newspaper=New Zealand Herald|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10684291}}</ref> In a reverse of the Sydney test, Australia had the stronger second quarter, coming back from 12-24 down. Australian wing [[James O'Connor (rugby)|James O'Connor]] scored in the corner to tie the scores in the final minute of the game and then landed the [[Try#Conversion|conversion]] from out wide to win the match 26-24. 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 26-16, Scotland 49-3, Ireland 38-18 and Wales 37-25.<ref name = "Grand Slam 2010">{{cite news|title=All Blacks: Character, composure keys to Grand Slam|author=Chris Barclay|date=Sunday Nov 28, 2010|newspaper=New Zealand Herald|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10690677}}</ref> In the match against Ireland McCaw, along with team mate [[Mils Muliaina]] played in their 93rd test match passing Sean Fitzpatrick to become the most capped All Blacks.<ref name "Capped Black">{{cite news|title=Ireland v New Zealand: Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina deserve to break caps record, says Sean Fitzpatrick|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=18 Nov 2010|author=Brendan Gallagher|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/newzealand/8144136/Ireland-v-New-Zealand-Richie-McCaw-and-Mils-Muliaina-deserve-to-break-caps-record-says-Sean-Fitzpatrick.html}}</ref> At the end of year awards McCaw was again honored by being named the IRB International Player of the Year for the second successive season, and a record three times since its inception in 2001.<ref name = "IRB 2010">{{cite news|title=All Blacks: Richie McCaw named player of the year|date=Thursday Dec 2, 2010|newspaper=New Zealand Herald|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10691499}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Richie McCaw wins IRB Player of the Year award for third time, All Blacks named team of the year|newspaper=Fox Sport|date=December 02, 2010|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/richie-mccaw-wins-irb-player-of-the-year-award-for-third-time-all-blacks-named-team-of-the-year/story-e6frf4pu-1225964268929}}</ref>
The fourth Bledisloe Cup match was again scheduled for Hong Kong and Australia finally ended a ten match losing streak to the All Blacks.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wallabies end 10-match losing streak|author=Chris Barclay|date=Sunday Oct 31, 2010|newspaper=New Zealand Herald|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10684291}}</ref> In a reverse of the Sydney test, Australia had the stronger second quarter, coming back from 12-24 down. Australian wing [[James O'Connor (rugby)|James O'Connor]] scored in the corner to tie the scores in the final minute of the game and then landed the [[Try#Conversion|conversion]] from out wide to win the match 26-24. 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 26-16, Scotland 49-3, Ireland 38-18 and Wales 37-25.<ref name = "Grand Slam 2010">{{cite news|title=All Blacks: Character, composure keys to Grand Slam|author=Chris Barclay|date=Sunday Nov 28, 2010|newspaper=New Zealand Herald|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10690677}}</ref> In the match against Ireland McCaw, along with team mate [[Mils Muliaina]] played in their 93rd test match passing Sean Fitzpatrick to become the most capped All Blacks.<ref name "Capped Black">{{cite news|title=Ireland v New Zealand: Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina deserve to break caps record, says Sean Fitzpatrick|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=18 Nov 2010|author=Brendan Gallagher|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/newzealand/8144136/Ireland-v-New-Zealand-Richie-McCaw-and-Mils-Muliaina-deserve-to-break-caps-record-says-Sean-Fitzpatrick.html}}</ref> At the end of year awards McCaw was again honored by being named the IRB International Player of the Year for the second successive season, and a record three times since its inception in 2001.<ref name = "IRB 2010">{{cite news|title=All Blacks: Richie McCaw named player of the year|date=Thursday Dec 2, 2010|newspaper=New Zealand Herald|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10691499}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Richie McCaw wins IRB Player of the Year award for third time, All Blacks named team of the year|newspaper=Fox Sport|date=December 02, 2010|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/richie-mccaw-wins-irb-player-of-the-year-award-for-third-time-all-blacks-named-team-of-the-year/story-e6frf4pu-1225964268929}}</ref>

==Playing Style==

Richie McCaw predominately plays at openside flanker, although he has played in the other "loose forward" positions of blindside flanker and number eight for the Crusaders.<ref>{{cite web|title=It is different at the ruck, but McCaw will stay put|author=James Mortimer|date=17 April 2010|publisher= All Blacks official website|url=http://www.allblacks.com/news/12721/It-is-different-at-the-ruck-but-McCaw-will-stay-put}}</ref> Loose forwards bind loosely to the side of the scrum and the openside covers the largest area, making them one of the first players to reach a [[breakdown (rugby union)|breakdown]]. In defence McCaw tries to work with the backs to put pressure on at the tackle and force a [[Turnover (rugby union)|turnover]], while on attack his priority is to secure the ball for his team.<ref name = "master class">{{cite web|title=Back & McCaw: Open side master class|date=Friday 21 November 2008|publisher = International Rugby Board|url=http://www.irb.com/home/totalrugbyradio/newsid=2027651.html}}</ref> McCaw is regarded as one of the best players in his position.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gregor Paul & Paul Lewis: McCaw vs Carter|author=Paul Lewis and Gregor Paul|date=Sunday Aug 15, 2010|newspaper=New Zealand Herald|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10666158&ref=emailfriend}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Richie McCaw deserves gong as rugby union's No.1 player|author=Jim Tucker|newspaper=The Courier-Mail|date=December 24, 2009|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/rugby-union/richie-mccaw-deserves-gong-as-rugby-unions-no1-player/story-e6frepm6-1225813288362}}</ref> When he received the IRB Player of The Year award for the third time former Australian [[Lock (rugby union)|lock]] and current award chairperson, [[John Eales]] described him as "an outstanding captain, a world class player and a role model for our sport" and one of the greats of the game.<ref>{{cite web|title=New Zealand honoured by trio of IRB Awards|date=Wednesday 1 December 2010|publisher = International Rugby Board|url=http://www.irb.com/history/awards/newsid=2041119.html}}</ref> Along with Dan Carter, he is seen as one of the most influential members of the All Blacks.<ref>{{cite news|title=In awe of McCa|author=Iain Paytenewspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=September 09, 200|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/in-awe-of-mccaw/story-e6freyar-1111117426886}}</ref> McCaw considers his ability to anticipate play and where other players are going to end up as one of his most important skills.<ref name = "master class"/> Current Australian openside [[David Pocock (rugby union)|David Pocock]], who was also shortlisted for the IRB award, also admires the way he reads the play as well as his ability to read the referee.<ref>{{cite news|title='Good on him': Pocock applauds McCaw's smarts in pushing laws to limi|author=Rupert Guinness\date= September 8, 2010||newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/good-on-him-pocock-applauds-mccaws-smarts-in-pushing-laws-to-limit-20100907-14zmw.html}}</ref>

Not all agree however, and McCaw has been labeled a "cheat" by some opposition coaches and players, with claims the referees let "him get away with murder" at the breakdown.<ref>{{cite web|title=Springboks angered by referee|publisher=ESPN Scrum|date=July 18, 2010|url=http://www.espnscrum.com/trinations2010/rugby/story/119654.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title='NZ getting away with murder'|date=July 18 2010|author=Adnaan Mohamed|newspaper=Sport24|url=http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/TriNations/NZ-getting-away-with-murder-20100718}}</ref> This has lead to media footage being released pinpointing unpenalised transgresions during a match against Australia.<ref name = "proof">{{cite news|title=Picture proof Richie McCaw's a serial offender|author=Jon Gedde|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=August 20, 2009|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby/picture-proof-richie-mccaws-a-serial-offender/story-e6frey4i-1225763969697}}</ref> Former Australian coach [[Eddie Jones (rugby union)|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"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Does this man get away with murder|author=Josh Rakic|date=July 25, 2010|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/does-this-man-get-away-with-murder-20100724-10phy.html}}</ref> McCaw admits that he tests the referee early "to know what you can get away with"<ref>{{cite news|title=McCaw - genius or chea|author=By Iain Payten in Melbourne|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=July 28, 2010|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby/mccaw-genius-or-cheat/story-e6frey4i-1225897709828}}</ref> and that only an "idiot" would not adapt to their rulings.<ref>{{cite news|title=McCaw: Only idiots don't adapt|date=August 18 2010|author=Brenden Nel|newspaper=Sport24|url=http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/TriNations/McCaw-Only-idiots-dont-adapt-20100818}}</ref> There have been accusations from some media, New Zealand fans and team-mates that McCaws influence and playing style has made him a target for illegitimate play.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rugby: Mauger slams 'cheap shots' on McCaw|author=Mark Geenty|date=Sunday Jun 24, 2007|newspaper=New Zealand Herald|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/tri-nations/news/article.cfm?c_id=351&objectid=10447617}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=McCaw ready for rough stuf|author=Jim Morton and John Salvado|date=June 28, 2007 |newspaper=Fox Sports|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/tri-nations/mccaw-ready-for-rough-stuff/story-e6frf4qc-1111113847260}}</ref> International players Phil Waugh,<ref name = "bold call">{{cite news|Hansen makes a bold call: McCaw is better than Jones|author=By Wynne Gray|newspaper=New Zealand Herald|date=5:00 AM Monday Jun 9, 2008|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10515157}}</ref> Jamie Heaslip,<ref>{{cite news|title=Red card for Heaslip gives All Blacks the green light|author=Phil Cadden|date=Sunday, 13 June 2010|newspaper=The Independant|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/red-card-for-heaslip-gives-all-blacks-the-green-light-1999088.html}}</ref> [[Marcus Horan]],<ref name = "bold call"/> [[Andy Powell (rugby player)|Andy Powell]],<ref>{{cite web|title=All Blacks clinch Grand Slam|date=November 27, 2010|publisher=ESPN Scrum|url=http://www.espnscrum.com/new-zealand-tour-2010/rugby/story/130090.html}}</ref> [[Dylan Hartley]]<ref>{{cite news|title=McCaw slams 'inconsistency': Skipper insists All Blacks have to be 'squeaky clean' on tour|date=10th November 2010|newspaper=Sky Sport|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,12336_6498069,00+en-USS_01DBC.html}}</ref> and [[Quade Cooper]]<ref>{{cite news|title=The good, the bad and ... Munster|date=November 28, 2010|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/the-good-the-bad-and--munster-20101127-18blk.html}}</ref> have been accused of making "cheap shots" on McCaw. 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>{{cite news|title=All Blacks: McCaw - No grudges over Heaslip|author=Dylan Cleaver|date=Thursday Nov 18, 2010|newspaper=New Zealand Herald|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=10688304}}</ref>


==Achievements==
==Achievements==

Revision as of 00:25, 8 December 2010

Richie McCaw
Richie McCaw
Height1.87 m (6 ft 1+1⁄2 in)
Weight106 kg (16 st 10 lb)[1]
SchoolOtago Boys' High School
UniversityLincoln University
Occupation(s)Professional Rugby Union player
Rugby union career
Position(s) Openside flanker
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1999-present Canterbury 34 (45)
Correct as of 28 September 2009
Super Rugby
Years Team Apps (Points)
2001-present Crusaders 103 (120)24t
Correct as of 22 May 2010
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2001-present New Zealand 94 (95)19t
Correct as of 27 November 2010

Richard Hugh "Richie" McCaw (born 31 December 1980 in Oamaru, North Otago) is a professional New Zealand rugby union player. He plays in the openside flanker position and is the current captain of the New Zealand Rugby Team (the All Blacks). He debuted for the All Blacks in 2001, and has currently played a record equaling (with Mils Muliaina) 94 tests for his country. He was made captain in 2006 and is now the most capped All Black captain, leading the side in 57 test matches. During his career McCaw has played in two World Cups, won seven Tri Nations titles, played in three successful Grand Slam tours and won the Bledisloe Cup eight times. McCaw also represents Canterbury in the ITM Cup and the Crusaders in Super Rugby. He has been named the International Rugby Board (IRB) International Player of The Year a record three times. Along with Dan Carter McCaw earns 750,000 NZD a year, making him the joint highest paid player in New Zealand. This high paying contract by the New Zealand Rugby Union is not subject to form or fitness as both players are regarded integral to the All Blacks 2011 Rugby World Cup plans. [2]

Early Years

Richies great, great grandfather immigrated to New Zealand from the Scottish Borders in 1893.[3] They settled in the Hakataramea Valley, South Canterbury. Richies father still works the family farm and his mother is a local teacher.[4] On New Years Eve 1980, Richard Hugh McCaw was born in the nearby city of Oamaru. He grew up on his parents farm along with his sister Joanna. Richie started flying gliders with his grandfather, a pilot during World War II, when he was nine years old.[3] Outside of his rugby career, gliding is Richies other sporting passion.[5] He played rugby for the local Kurow rugby club as a youngster,[4] but it was not until 1994, when he boarded at Otago Boys' High School in Dunedin, that he started to take the game seriously.[3]

In his last year at Otago Boys High, McCaw was head boy, proxime accessit (runner up) to the dux and played in the schools first fifteen.[4][6] It was during a 5-all draw with Rotorua Boys' High School in the 1998 New Zealand secondary schools rugby final in Christchurch when he came to the attention of national selectors.[3] However, he failed to make the New Zealand Secondary Schools Team, losing out to Sam Harding, Angus McDonald and Hale T-Pole.[6] With Sam Harding moving south to study at the University of Otago, McCaw headed to Christchurch's Lincoln University to study agricultural and pursue his rugby interests.[4]

In 1999, McCaw was selected in the New Zealand under 19 squad (coached by former All Black Mark Shaw) which won the world championship in Wales. McCaw recalls this as being the first time he realised his All Black dream was achievable.[3] 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.[7] On 31 March, 2001 he made his Super Rugby debut with the Crusaders, playing a few minutes in a losing effort against the Hurricanes.[8][4] That year he only got two starts off the bench for the Crusaders for a total of 8 minutes playing time,[9] but played a full season with NPC champions Canterbury and captained the New Zealand Under 21's.[10][11]

International Debut

Despite having only played 17 matches for Canterbury John Mitchell, the new All Black coach, selected the 20 year old McCaw 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".[12]

McCaws debut international test was against Ireland at Lansdowne Road on the 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.[13] In the second half the All Blacks recovered, eventually winning 40-29, and Richie McCaw was named man of the match. 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.[14] 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."[14]

McCaw played all three tests on the tour, with the All Blacks beating Scotland 37-6[15] and scraping home 24-20 against Argentina with an injury time try to number eight and Canterbury team mate Scott Robertson.[16] At the end of season Richie McCaw was selected as both the New Zealand Rugby Football Union Under-21 and Air New Zealand NPC Division One Player of the Year.[17]

Build up to the 2003 World Cup

Gothic style building on a green knoll and surrounded by a few trees
Otago Boys High School, Dunedin, Richie McCaw boarded at the school from 1994 to 1998

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[18] and losing to the Blues in 2003. The Crusaders won all 13 matches in the 2002 season,[19] including a record 96-19 win over the Waratahs.[20] The Canterbury provincial rugby team finished 2nd in the round robin of the NPC in 2002, losing the semi final to eventual winners Auckland.[21] With many of their All Blacks rested for the World Cup (including McCaw) they failed to make the top four in 2003.[22]

In 2002 McCaw played for the All Blacks against the touring Irish (15-6 and 40-8 victories) and in the Tri Nations against Australia and South Africa. In the six 2002 test matches McCaw played in, five were won by New Zealand with the only loss to Australia.[3] The 14-16 loss occurred in New Zealands third Tri Nations match and ensured the Bledisloe Cup stayed with Australia.[23] Richie McCaw scored New Zealands only try in the match, which was marred by two streakers invaded the pitch while first five-eighth Andrew Mehrtens was lining up a long range penalty.[24] A similar incident occurred when the All Blacks were playing South Africa in Durban. This time, instead of streaking, the pitch invader attacked Irish referee David McHugh as a scrum was being set, dislocating his shoulder in the process.[25] Richie 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.[4]

McCaw was rested, along with 20 other members of the Tri Nations squad, from the 2002 end of year tour to the Europe.[26] The openside flankers taken on the tour were Marty Holah and Daniel Braid, in one of the most inexperienced All Black squads ever assembled.[26] The All Blacks returned after a loss to England, a draw against France and a win in Wales.

After another successful campaign with the Crusaders in 2003 (where they made the finals),[27] 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 comprehensive 55-3 victory against Wales and played in a stuttering 31-23 win over France.[28] The Tri Nations started with resounding wins away against Australia and South Africa, with the All Blacks scoring 50 points in both matches.[28] This was followed by narrow victories at home, which kept the Tri Nations title in New Zealand. In the last game of the Tri Nations New Zealand beat Australia 21-17 to regain the Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 1997.[29] New Zealand were ranked second behind England leading into the World Cup.[30]

2003 World Cup

McCaw was selected in the All Blacks World Cup squad, along with Braid and Holah.[31] During the group stages New Zealand had massive victories over Italy (70-7), Canada (68-6) and Tonga (97-7), but were made to work hard against the Welsh. With 20 minutes remaining Wales were leading the All Blacks 33 - 37, before a couple of late tries pushed the All Blacks to a 53 - 37 victory.[32]

They over came South Africa impressively in the quarter finals 29 -9,[33] in the second meeting between the two sides in a World Cup, the first being the Rugby World Cup Final in 1995, which the South African team won 15-12.[34] They were expected to be too strong for the Australians, who had stumbled to a 33-16 win over Scotland in their quarter final.[35] The Australians however dominated the clash and on the back of a Stirling Mortlock intercept try, knocked New Zealand out of the tournament.[36] McCaw, who played in every All Black game in the tournament, was rewarded with the Kelvin Tremain Trophy for the New Zealand Rugby Union player of the year.[37]

Concussions

In the aftermath of the World Cup, John Mitchell (despite a record of 23 victories, four defeats and one draw) was dropped as All Black coach.[38] His successor (and still current All Black coach) was former Blues, Wales and British and Irish Lions coach Graham Henry. Henry's first match was against the world champion English in June 2004. McCaw, after finishing runners up to the Brumbies with the Crusaders in the Super 14,[39] was selected as first choice openside flanker and made vice captain. However, 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 test against England and played 70 minutes against Argentina before again leaving the field due to dizziness.[3] Still suffering headaches a month later[40] he withdrew from the rest of the home campaign and the 2004 Tri Nations to focus on recovery.[41] This was the first time he had missed a game in his whole career.[3] New Zealand ended up coming last in the Tri Nations after losing both away games to Australia and South Africa. McCaw returned to captain Canterbury to the finals at the tail end of the NPC.[42] In November 2004 he returned for the All Blacks successful end-of-season tour to Italy, Wales and France. He was made captain at the age of 23 for the first time against the Welsh as regular captain Tana Umaga was rested.[43]

In April 2005, while captaining the Crusaders,[44] McCaw again suffered concussion. He was stretchered off the field 2 minutes into the game after attempting a tackle on Bulls prop Richard Bands.[45] After the incident, McCaw visited a young kid 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".[3] A month later, in May 2005, McCaw returned to training with the Crusaders and led them in their semi final and final victories.[46]

McCaw was eased back into international rugby with a 91-0 thumping of Fiji before the British and Irish Lions arrived.[47] He then played the first two test against the Lions, including a record 48-18 victory in Wellington.[48] The All Blacks clean sweeped the touring Lions three nil in the series. He followed this with a successful Tri Nations (with just one narrow defeat to South Africa in Cape Town) and completed a Grand Slam (when victory is achieved against all the UK nations) at the end of year tour. [49] He missed the game against England after suffering his third serious head knock against Ireland.[50] Despite his injury concerns, McCaw was short listed for the 2005 IRB International Player of the Year, which was won by All Black first five Dan Carter.[51]

Captaincy

A group of men wearing Black rugby jerseys, all half-crouching with their arms raised except one that is standing, are facing and shouting at another group of men in white rugby jerseys (with their back to the camera) standing with arms linked.
New captain Richie McCaw leading a Haka against France in 2006

Anton Oliver, Taine Randell and Reuben Thorne had all captained the All Blacks while Richie McCaw has been playing. With the arrival of Graham Henry, Tana Umaga was promoted to captain, becoming the first player of Polynesian descent to lead the All Blacks at test level,[52] and McCaw was named as his deputy. McCaw was already captain of the Crusaders, leading them to the title again in 2006,[53] and had led New Zealand against Wales and Ireland when Umaga was rested.[3] It was therefore not surprising when he was announced as the new All Black captain in May 2006 after Tana Umagas retirement from international rugby.[54] McCaw was 25 at the time and had played in 36 test matches.

His first two games as regular captain were against the Irish in New Zealand, while a separate squad led by Jerry Collins was named to travel to Argentina.[55] New Zealand edged in front of Ireland in the first test with 9 minutes remaining for a 34 - 23 victory[56] and held out for a 27 -17 win in the second.[57] He then traveled with the team for the one off test against Argentina, to mentor stand in captain Jerry Collins.[58] New Zealand emerged as 2006 Tri Nations champions (the only loss away to South Africa by one point) and retained the Bledisloe Cup.[59] 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.[60]

Due to 2007 being a world cup year it was decided by the All Black management that a select group of 22 players, included McCaw, would undergo "reconditioning" by not playing in the first seven rounds of the Super 14.[61] McCaw returned to the Crusaders in the eighth round and helped them reach the semi finals.[62] New Zealand then dominated a below strength[63] touring French team in two tests in New Zealand and then played a one off test against Canada. McCaw started on the bench for the Canadian match, with Reuben Thorne returning as captain.[64] The Tri Nations was shortened due to the world cup, with each team playing the other two teams twice (one home and one away game). Led by McCaw, New Zealand again only dropped one game (this time a five point loss against Australia in Melbourne) retaining the Tri Nations crown and the Bledisloe cup.[65]

2007 World Cup

The 2007 World Cup was held in France, England, Scotland and Wales. The All Blacks were in a pool that included Italy, Portugal, Scotland and Romania. The All Blacks breezed through the pool play with scores of 76-14, 108-13, 40-0 and 85-8 respectively. Due to Graham Henry's rotation policy, McCaw only started in two of the pool matches (Italy and Scotland) and came on as a reserve against Romania. France, one of the early favourites, lost to Argentina in the opening game making them New Zealands quarter final opponent. The game was to be played in Cardiffs Millennium Stadium.

New Zealand were leading 13-3 at half time and looked in control, before the French fought back with two second half tries. The final score was 18-20 to the French, resulting in New Zealands earliest exit from a World Cup. With semi final exits after being favourites at the 1991, 1999 and 2003 World Cups, they were once again accused of choking on the worlds biggest stage.[66] An emotional McCaw couldn't 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".[66]

Some media outlets claimed that New Zealands easy run into the quarters played a part in the loss by not readying them for the ferocity and passion of the French team. However McCaw was quick to deny it. "A lot of the guys have been through this before, they've played big Test matches."[66] Graham Henrys policy of using squad rotation and resting key players during the Super 14 was also criticised.[67] McCaw also came under attack, being accused of not inspiring his team, lacking the ability to change policy when Plan A is not working [67] and not providing enough leadership on the field.[68]

Redemption

Head shot of a young man with stuble wearing a Black jacket, white shirt and black tie.
Richie McCaw in London, 2008

Despite much speculation that Henry would lose the All Black coaching job to Crusaders coach Robbie Deans, he was retained on a contract for the next two years,[69] later extended to include the 2010 World Cup.[70] He immediately stated that he would keep McCaw on as his captain. Robbie Deans instead signed with the Australian Rugby Union, becoming head coach of Australia.[71] In Deans last season (2008) as Crusaders coach they won the Super Rugby title for the seventh time since its inception.[72] Ireland and England toured to New Zealand in June 2008 and the All Blacks came away with a hard fought win against the Irish, and two comfortable victories against the English. McCaw tore a ligament in his ankle against the English and missed the start of the Tri Nations.[73]

Rodney So'oialo was made stand in captain and started the Tri Nations with a win and a loss at home against South Africa, the defeat being the first loss on home soil in 30 matches and South Africas first test win in New Zealand for a decade.[74] In the next match against Australia the Australians came away with an impressive 34 - 19 victory, with Henry admitting the Australians (and Deans) had won the tactical battle.[75] McCaw was fit for the return match in Auckland and the All Blacks turned the tables in a 39 - 10 victory. That was followed by a 19-0 win in South Africa (the first time the South Africans had been kept scoreless on home soil in 105 years). Another thrilling 24-28 victory against Australia in Brisbane ensured the Tri Nations title and Bledisloe Cup would stay in New Zealand for another season.[76] McCaw was seen as an inspiration after his return from injury,[77] with Graham Henry rating his performance in the 19-0 victory against South Africa as his best so far in an All Black jersey.[78]

In 2008 a forth Bledisloe match was to be played in Hong Kong with the intention of expanding the game of rugby. As New Zealand had already won the Bledisloe Cup this game was considered a dead rubber. However, both teams were using the match as a launching pad for their potential Grand Slam tours of the UK. It was another typically close affair, with McCaw scoring the match winning try in a 19 - 14 win. The tour to the UK was won in style with victories over Scotland (32-6), Ireland (22-3), Wales (29-9) and England (32-6).[76] The only stumbling block was a 18 - 16 narrow escape in a midweek game against Irish side Munster, which McCaw sat out.[79] 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.[76]

Milestones

The Crusaders, under new coach Todd Blackadder, had a slow start to the 2009 season, losing four of its first five games. They eventually recovered to finish fourth on the table, losing the Semi Final at Loftus Versfeld to the Bulls.[80] McCaw injured his knee and missed the start of the international season, missing games against the touring French and Italians.[81] The French upset the All Blacks in the first test, their first win in New Zealand in 15 years,[82] and narrowly lost the second (but won the Dave Gallaher Trophy for the first time on points differential).[83] New Zealand then stuttered to a 27-6 win against the Italians. McCaw returned for a disappointing Tri Nations tournament as the South African side beat the All Blacks in all three matches (twice at home and once in New Zealand) to win the title and regain the number 1 ranking. New Zealand were lucky to beat Australia twice (coming from behind in both occasions), before a comprehensive victory in the final Tri Nations game in Wellington ensured they would finish second.[84] It was the first time New Zealand had not won the competition in five years and only their fifth defeat since it started in 1996.

Like last year, a fourth Bledisloe Test was scheduled before the end of year tour. This time it was played in Japan and New Zealand ran away with a 32-19 victory. They then headed to Europe to play the Welsh, Italians (McCaw was a non-playing reserve), English and French. They had a narrow victory against Wales (19-12), an unconvincing win over Italy (20-6) and a testing victory against the English (19-9). Their best came last against France as the All Blacks dominated the second half to run out a 39-12 scoreline. The four losses were the most suffered by the All Blacks in a season since Richie McCaw joined the team in 2001.[84] Despite the teams relatively poor season, Richie McCaw was named the IRB International Player of the Year for a second time, although Irish center Brian O'Driscoll and South African half back Fourie du Preez were unlucky to miss out.[84] Also a poor Northern Hemisphere tour by the South Africans (with loses to France and Ireland) saw the All Blacks move back into the Number 1 ranking.

The 2010 season started much the same way as the 2009 with the highly fancied Crusaders finishing fourth during the round robin and again losing to the Bulls in the semi final.[85] During the season McCaw played his 100th Super Rugby game.[86] Ireland and Wales toured to New Zealand in 2010, playing one and two games respectively. Irish number eight Jamie Heaslip received a red card early in the first test for kneeing McCaw in the head, reducing them to 14 men. This helped the All Blacks notch up a 66-28 winning margin, the most points ever scored against the Irish by any team.[87] They then delivered comprehensive defeats to the Welsh in two tests. The All Blacks then went through the Tri Nations undefeated, notching up big wins in the first three games, 32-12 and 31-17 against South Africa in New Zealand[88] and 49-28 against Australia in Melbourne.[89] The second half of the tournament was much closer, starting with a scrappy 20-10 victory over Australia in Christchurch.[90] The All Blacks then headed to Johannesburg for a thrilling return match with the South Africans. McCaw scored a late try to draw the scores level before replacement fullback Israel Dagg scored a long-range try in the final minute to hand a 29-22 victory to New Zealand.[91] The final game of the tournament against Australia followed a similar pattern as New Zealand again came from behind to win 22-23 in Sydney, with McCaw and Kieran Read scoring tries in the final quarter. This match marked McCaws 52nd time captaining the All Blacks and he surpassed Sean Fitzpatrick as New Zealands most-capped test captain.[92]

The fourth Bledisloe Cup match was again scheduled for Hong Kong and Australia finally ended a ten match losing streak to the All Blacks.[93] In a reverse of the Sydney test, Australia had the stronger second quarter, coming back from 12-24 down. Australian wing James O'Connor scored in the corner to tie the scores in the final minute of the game and then landed the conversion from out wide to win the match 26-24. 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 26-16, Scotland 49-3, Ireland 38-18 and Wales 37-25.[94] In the match against Ireland McCaw, along with team mate Mils Muliaina played in their 93rd test match passing Sean Fitzpatrick to become the most capped All Blacks.[95] At the end of year awards McCaw was again honored by being named the IRB International Player of the Year for the second successive season, and a record three times since its inception in 2001.[96][97]

Playing Style

Richie McCaw predominately plays at openside flanker, although he has played in the other "loose forward" positions of blindside flanker and number eight for the Crusaders.[98] Loose forwards bind loosely to the side of the scrum and the openside covers the largest area, making them one of the first players to reach a breakdown. In defence McCaw tries to work with the backs to put pressure on at the tackle and force a turnover, while on attack his priority is to secure the ball for his team.[99] McCaw is regarded as one of the best players in his position.[100][101] When he received the IRB Player of The Year award for the third time former Australian lock and current award chairperson, John Eales described him as "an outstanding captain, a world class player and a role model for our sport" and one of the greats of the game.[102] Along with Dan Carter, he is seen as one of the most influential members of the All Blacks.[103] McCaw considers his ability to anticipate play and where other players are going to end up as one of his most important skills.[99] Current Australian openside David Pocock, who was also shortlisted for the IRB award, also admires the way he reads the play as well as his ability to read the referee.[104]

Not all agree however, and McCaw has been labeled a "cheat" by some opposition coaches and players, with claims the referees let "him get away with murder" at the breakdown.[105][106] This has lead to media footage being released pinpointing unpenalised transgresions during a match against Australia.[107] 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.[107][108] McCaw admits that he tests the referee early "to know what you can get away with"[109] and that only an "idiot" would not adapt to their rulings.[110] There have been accusations from some media, New Zealand fans and team-mates that McCaws influence and playing style has made him a target for illegitimate play.[111][112] International players Phil Waugh,[113] Jamie Heaslip,[114] Marcus Horan,[113] Andy Powell,[115] Dylan Hartley[116] and Quade Cooper[117] have been accused of making "cheap shots" on McCaw. 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".[118]

Achievements

Year Canterbury (NPC) Crusaders (Super Rugby) All Blacks (Tri Nations) Awards Career Highlights
2001 Champions[10] 10th[119]

(played just 8 minutes)[9] 		Not Selected[120][121][122][123] New Zealand Under 21 Player of The Year[17]

NPC Division One Player of the year[17] 		All Black Debut[14]
2002 Semi finalist[21] Champions[18] Champions[3]
2003 Did not play[22] Finalist[27] Champions[28] Kelvin Tremain Memorial Trophy for Player of the Year[37] 2003 World Cup
2004 Champions[42] Finalist[39] Did not play due to injury[41] NPC Division One Player of the Year[124]
2005 Semi finalist[125] Champions[46] Champions[49] Grand Slam[49]
2006 Quarter finalist Champions[53] Champions[59] Kelvin Tremain Memorial Trophy for Player of the Year[126]

IRB International Player of the Year[60] 		Captain of the All Blacks[54]
2007 Semi finalist Semi finalist[62] Champions[65] 2007 World Cup
2008 Champions Champions[72] Champions[76]

 Grand Slam[76]
2009 Champions Semi finalist[80] 2nd[84] Kelvin Tremain Memorial Trophy for Player of the Year[127]

IRB International Player of the Year[84]
2010 Champions Semi finalist[85] Champions[91] IRB International Player of the Year[96] 100 Super Rugby Caps[86]

Grand Slam[94]

Most capped All Black captain[92]

Equal most capped All BlackCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name (see the help page).

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  121. ^ "Tri Nations - Dunedin, 11 August 2001". ESPN Scrum (stats guru).
  122. ^ "Tri Nations - Auckland, 25 August 2001". ESPN Scrum (stats guru).
  123. ^ "Tri Nations - Sydney, 1 September 2001". ESPN Scrum (stats guru).
  124. ^ "Carter named Player of the Year". ESPN Scrum. 3 February 2005.
  125. ^ Wynne Gray (Saturday Oct 15, 2005). "Otago surprise Canterbury". New Zealand Herald. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  126. ^ "McCaw adds NZ honour to haul". New Zealand Herald. Friday Dec 15, 2006. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  127. ^ "Richie McCaw rugby player of the year". New Zealand Herald. Friday Dec 18, 2009. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Richie McCaw.


Awards
Preceded by IRB International Player of the Year
2006 		Succeeded by
Preceded by IRB International Player of the Year
2009 		Succeeded by
New Zealand Himself
Preceded by
New Zealand Himself
 IRB International Player of the Year
2010 		Incumbent
Rugby Union Captain
Preceded by All Blacks Captain
2006-present 		Incumbent


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