Jump to content

Richie McCaw: Difference between revisions

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Reverted 1 edit by Openmonth98 (talk) identified as vandalism to last revision by 123.224.166.55. (TW)
Line 155: Line 155:
==Personal life==
==Personal life==


In 2009,<ref>{{cite news|title=Holt stunned at being dumped by BBC|date=Thursday Aug 6, 2009|newspaper=New Zealand Herald|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10588951}}</ref> McCaw was dating professional dancer [[Hayley Holt]], who was swimmer [[Mark Foster (swimmer)|Mark Foster]]'s partner on the British television show ''[[Strictly Come Dancing]]'',<ref name = "times">{{cite news|newspaper=The Times|date=Nov 28, 200|title=Richie McCaw combines substance with style|author=Mark Souster|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_union/article5248244.ece}}</ref> although there are rumours that they have since broken up.<ref>{{cite news|title=Breaking up is hard to view|author=Matt Nippert|date=Oct 20, 2009|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/relationships/news/article.cfm?c_id=41&objectid=10604732|newspaper=New Zealand Herald}}</ref> His other sporting passion is flying and he has been made an honorary squadron leader in the New Zealand Air Force.<ref>{{cite news|title=New high-flying role for McCaw|date=Mar 12, 2010|newspaper=TVNZ|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-news/new-high-flying-role-mccaw-3412955}}</ref> McCaw learned to fly gliders from his grandfather, who flew more than 300 missions in the Second World War.<ref name = "times"/> In 2009 he convinced the head of the [[Discovery network]] in Australia and New Zealand to do a show about gliding.<ref>{{cite news|title=Richie McCaw's other passion – gliding|author=Scott Kara|date=Oct 25, 2009|newspaper=New Zealand Herald|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10605675}}</ref> They filmed McCaw gliding at [[Omarama]] on the [[extreme sport]]s series ''Sportstar Insider'', which was hosted by former Australian [[rugby league]] player [[Andrew Ettingshausen]]. After the [[2010 Canterbury earthquake]] he auctioned a personal flying lesson through [[Trade Me]] to raise money for the badly damaged [[Hororata]] St Johns Church.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nzaviation.com/magazine/2010/11/high-flying-all-blacks-captain-auctions-flight/|title=High flying All Blacks Captain auctions flight|date=2 Nov 2010|newspaper=NZ Aviation Magazine}}</ref> 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|2009 Tsunami]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Richie McCaw's campaign for a young Samoan rugby star|date=Thu, 12 Aug 2010|newspaper=3 News|url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Richie-McCaws-campaign-for-a-young-Samoan-rugby-star/tabid/817/articleID/170418/Default.aspx}}</ref> <!--He is a fan of [[Bon Jovi]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Richie has a ball with Bon Jov|newspaper=New|date=03 Feb 2008|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/news/250443}}</ref>--> In 2010, McCaw and Dan Carter were on a NZ$750,000 a year contract that will see 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 will still apply if they are not selected for the world cup squad.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rodney So'oialo, Ali Williams on a roll|author=Greg Ford|newspaper=Star Times|date=14 Nov 2010|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/4343395/Rodney-So-oialo-Ali-Williams-on-a-roll}}</ref>
In 2009,<ref>{{cite news|title=Holt stunned at being dumped by BBC|date=Thursday Aug 6, 2009|newspaper=New Zealand Herald|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10588951}}</ref> McCaw was dating professional dancer [[Hayley Holt]], who was swimmer [[Mark Foster (swimmer)|Mark Foster]]'s partner on the British television show ''[[Strictly Come Dancing]]'',<ref name = "times">{{cite news|newspaper=The Times|date=Nov 28, 200|title=Richie McCaw combines substance with style|author=Mark Souster|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_union/article5248244.ece}}</ref> although there are rumours that they have since broken up. In regards to his sexuality, McCaw has been self described as Bicurious. <ref>{{cite news|title=Breaking up is hard to view|author=Matt Nippert|date=Oct 20, 2009|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/relationships/news/article.cfm?c_id=41&objectid=10604732|newspaper=New Zealand Herald}}</ref> His other sporting passion is flying and he has been made an honorary squadron leader in the New Zealand Air Force.<ref>{{cite news|title=New high-flying role for McCaw|date=Mar 12, 2010|newspaper=TVNZ|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-news/new-high-flying-role-mccaw-3412955}}</ref> McCaw learned to fly gliders from his grandfather, who flew more than 300 missions in the Second World War.<ref name = "times"/> In 2009 he convinced the head of the [[Discovery network]] in Australia and New Zealand to do a show about gliding.<ref>{{cite news|title=Richie McCaw's other passion – gliding|author=Scott Kara|date=Oct 25, 2009|newspaper=New Zealand Herald|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10605675}}</ref> They filmed McCaw gliding at [[Omarama]] on the [[extreme sport]]s series ''Sportstar Insider'', which was hosted by former Australian [[rugby league]] player [[Andrew Ettingshausen]]. After the [[2010 Canterbury earthquake]] he auctioned a personal flying lesson through [[Trade Me]] to raise money for the badly damaged [[Hororata]] St Johns Church.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nzaviation.com/magazine/2010/11/high-flying-all-blacks-captain-auctions-flight/|title=High flying All Blacks Captain auctions flight|date=2 Nov 2010|newspaper=NZ Aviation Magazine}}</ref> 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|2009 Tsunami]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Richie McCaw's campaign for a young Samoan rugby star|date=Thu, 12 Aug 2010|newspaper=3 News|url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Richie-McCaws-campaign-for-a-young-Samoan-rugby-star/tabid/817/articleID/170418/Default.aspx}}</ref> <!--He is a fan of [[Bon Jovi]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Richie has a ball with Bon Jov|newspaper=New|date=03 Feb 2008|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/news/250443}}</ref>--> In 2010, McCaw and Dan Carter were on a NZ$750,000 a year contract that will see 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 will still apply if they are not selected for the world cup squad.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rodney So'oialo, Ali Williams on a roll|author=Greg Ford|newspaper=Star Times|date=14 Nov 2010|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/4343395/Rodney-So-oialo-Ali-Williams-on-a-roll}}</ref>


==Achievements==
==Achievements==

Revision as of 00:58, 9 June 2011

Richie McCaw
Birth nameRichard Hugh McCaw
Date of birth (1980-12-31) 31 December 1980 (age 43)
Place of birthOamaru, Otago, New Zealand
Height1.87 m (6 ft 1+1⁄2 in)
Weight106 kg (234 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 108 (120)
Correct as of 29 May 2011
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2001–present New Zealand 94 (98)
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 for the New Zealand, Crusaders and Canterbury rugby teams. McCaw is considered one of the best players in his position, with his ability to anticipate play and adapt to the referees rulings some of his key attributes. He was raised in rural South Canterbury, before moving to Dunedin in 1994 to board at Otago Boys' High School. In 1999 he moved to Christchurch to study at Lincoln University and was selected in the national under-19 rugby union team. The following year he played for the Under 21s and Canterbury in the National Provincial Championship, before debuting in 2001 for the Crusaders in the Super 14.

McCaw was selected for the 2001 New Zealand National Rugby Team's end-of-year tour, despite having played only a total of eight minutes of Super 14 rugby. His debut for the team (nicknamed the All Blacks) was against Ireland, where he put in a man-of-the-match performance and was selected as New Zealand's first choice open-side flanker for the 2003 World Cup. McCaw became a regular selection in the New Zealand national rugby team, only missing a few games due to reoccurring concussions. In 2006 he was named captain of the All Blacks. He led the All Blacks at the 2007 World Cup and his captaincy came under criticism after they were knocked out in the quarter-final. He continued to captain the All Blacks after the world cup and will lead the team into the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

During McCaw's rugby career Canterbury won the NPC (later ITM Cup) five times and the Crusaders reached the Super Rugby semi-finals nine times, going on to win the final on four of these occasions. Since his debut the All Blacks have won seven Tri Nations titles, completed three successful Grand Slam tours and won the Bledisloe Cup eight times. In 2010 McCaw played his 100th Super Rugby game, a record equaling 94 tests for his country and became New Zealands most capped All Black captain, leading the side in 57 test matches. He has been named the International Rugby Board (IRB) International Player of The Year a record three times. In 2010 his contract was NZ$750,000 per year, making him the equal highest paid player in New Zealand.

Early years

Gothic style building on a green knoll
Otago Boys High School, Dunedin, Richie McCaw boarded at the school from 1994 to 1998.

McCaw's great-great-grandfather immigrated to New Zealand, from the Scottish Borders in 1893,[2] and settled in the Hakataramea Valley, South Canterbury. McCaw's father still works the family farm and his mother is a local teacher.[3] On New Year's 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. McCaw started flying gliders with his grandfather, a pilot during World War II, when he was nine years old.[2] He played rugby for the local Kurow rugby club as a youngster,[3] but it was not until 1994, when he boarded at Otago Boys' High School in Dunedin, that he started to take the game seriously.[2]

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 top rugby team.[3][4] 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.[2] However, he failed to make the New Zealand Secondary Schools Team, losing out to Sam Harding, Angus McDonald and Hale T-Pole.[4] 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.[3]

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.[2] 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.[5] On 31 March 2001 he made his Super Rugby debut with the Crusaders, playing a few minutes in a losing effort against the Hurricanes.[3][6] That year he only played twice for the Crusaders, both times as a substitute, for a total of just eight minutes playing time.[7] He did however play a full season with NPC champions Canterbury and captained the New Zealand Under 21s.[8][9]

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".[10]

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.[11] 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.[12] 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.[13] 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."[13]

McCaw played all three tests on the tour, with the All Blacks beating Scotland 37–6[14] and winning 24–20 against Argentina.[15] 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.[16]

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[17] and losing to the Blues in 2003.[18] The Canterbury provincial rugby team lost the semi final to eventual the winners Auckland in 2002.[19] McCaw and the other All Blacks were "rested" during the 2003 national provincial championship.[20]

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.[2] The 14–16 loss occurred in New Zealand's third Tri Nations match and ensured the Bledisloe Cup stayed with Australia.[21] 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.[22] 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.[3] McCaw was rested, along with 20 other members of the Tri Nations squad, from the 2002 end-of-year tour to Europe.[23]

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.[24] The 2003 All Blacks retained the Tri Nations title,[24] regained the Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 1997[25] and were ranked second behind England leading into the World Cup.[26]

McCaw was selected as openside flanker for the 2003 All Blacks World Cup squad[27] and played in every game at the tournament. New Zealand won all their pool games[28] and beat South Africa in the quarter finals[29] to qualify for a semi-final match-up against Australia. In an upset,[30] the Australians defeated the All Blacks, knocking them out of the tournament.[31] At the end of the season awards McCaw received the Kelvin Tremain Trophy for the New Zealand Rugby Union player of the year.[32]

2004-2005

The Crusaders finished as runner-ups in the 2004 Super 14 season, losing the final to the Brumbies.[33] Following the World Cup, John Mitchell was dropped as All Black coach[34] and replaced by Graham Henry. McCaw 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.[2] Still suffering headaches a month later,[35] he withdrew from the rest of the home campaign and the 2004 Tri Nations to focus on recovery.[36] McCaw returned to captain Canterbury to the finals at the tail end of the NPC season.[37] 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.[38]

In April 2005, while captaining the Crusaders,[39] 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.[40] 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".[2] A month later, in May 2005, McCaw returned to training with the Crusaders and led them in their semi-final and final victories.[41]

McCaw returned to international rugby in 2005, playing in the 91–0 victory over Fiji before the British and Irish Lions arrived.[42] He then played the first two test against the Lions, including a record 48–18 victory in Wellington.[43] 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.[44] He missed the game against England after suffering his third serious head knock against Ireland.[45] Despite his injury concerns, McCaw was shortlisted for the 2005 IRB International Player of the Year, which was won by All Black team-mate Dan Carter.[46]

2006-2007

McCaw in the middle of the New Zealand Haka facing a line of the French team in white
New captain McCaw leading a Haka against France in 2006

McCaw was made captain of the Crusaders in 2005[47] and led them to the Super Rugby title again in 2006.[48] On May 2006, at the age of 25 and after 36 test matches, McCaw was named captain of the All Blacks.[49] 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.[50] McCaw started his captaincy with victory over Ireland[51][52] and then mentored stand-in captain Jerry Collins in Argentina.[53] New Zealand emerged as 2006 Tri Nations champions (the only loss away to South Africa by one point) and retained the Bledisloe Cup.[54] 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.[55]

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.[56] McCaw returned to the Crusaders in the eighth round and helped them reach the semi-finals.[57] New Zealand then beat a below-strength[58] 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.[59] 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.[60]

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 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".[61]

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".[61] 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."[61] Graham Henry's policy of using squad rotation and resting key players during the Super 14 was criticised.[62] 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[62] and not providing enough leadership on the field.[63]

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,[64] later extended to include the 2011 World Cup.[65] 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.[66] In Deans' last season (2008) as Crusaders coach they won the Super Rugby title for the seventh time.[67] 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.[68]

Rodney So'oialo was made stand-in captain and started the Tri Nations with a win and two losses.[69][70] McCaw returned for the fourth game and the All Blacks won the remaining three matches to retain the Tri Nations title and Bledisloe Cup.[71] McCaw was seen as an inspiration after his return from injury,[72] with Henry rating his performance in the victory 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.[73]

In 2008 a fourth Bledisloe match was played in Hong Kong with the intention of expanding the game of rugby[74] and in a close 19–14 game McCaw scored the match winning try. The Grand Slam tour to the United Kingdom resulted in victories over Scotland (32–6), Ireland (22–3), Wales (29–9) and England (32–6).[71] 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.[71]

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.[75] McCaw injured his knee and missed the start of the international season,[76] 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.[77] 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 agains 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.[77] Despite the team's relatively poor season, McCaw was named the IRB International Player of the Year for a second time.[77]

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.[78] During the season McCaw played his 100th Super Rugby game in a losing effort against the Cape Town based Stormers.[79] 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.[80] The All Blacks went through the Tri Nations undefeated[81] 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.[82]

The fourth Bledisloe Cup match was again scheduled for Hong Kong and Australia ended a ten match losing streak to the All Blacks.[83] 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.[84] 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.[85] At the end of year McCaw was named the IRB International Player of the Year for the second successive season[86][87] and the New Zealand sportsperson of the year at the Halberg awards.[88]

Playing style

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.[89] The openside binds loosely to the side of the scrum farthest from the touch-line and is usually 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.[90] McCaw is regarded as one of the best players in his position.[91][92] 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".[93] Along with Dan Carter, he is seen as one of the most influential members of the All Blacks.[94] McCaw considers his ability to anticipate play as one of his most important skills.[90] 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.[95]

Not all agree however, with McCaw being labeled a "cheat" by South African coach Peter de Villiers[96] and South African lock Victor Matfield believes that the referees let "him get away with murder" at the breakdown.[97] Media footage has been released pinpointing unpenalised transgressions during a match against Australia.[98] 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.[98][99] McCaw admits that he tests the referee early "to know what you can get away with"[100] and that only an "idiot" would not adapt to their rulings.[101] Teammate Aaron Mauger,[102] along with many New Zealand fans, have suggested that McCaw's influence and playing style has made him a target for illegitimate play.[103] International players Phil Waugh,[104] Jamie Heaslip,[105] Marcus Horan,[104] Andy Powell,[106] Dylan Hartley[107] and Quade Cooper[108] 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.[109] 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".[110]

Personal life

In 2009,[111] McCaw was dating professional dancer Hayley Holt, who was swimmer Mark Foster's partner on the British television show Strictly Come Dancing,[112] although there are rumours that they have since broken up. In regards to his sexuality, McCaw has been self described as Bicurious. [113] His other sporting passion is flying and he has been made an honorary squadron leader in the New Zealand Air Force.[114] McCaw learned to fly gliders from his grandfather, who flew more than 300 missions in the Second World War.[112] In 2009 he convinced the head of the Discovery network in Australia and New Zealand to do a show about gliding.[115] They filmed McCaw gliding at Omarama on the extreme sports series Sportstar Insider, which was hosted by former Australian rugby league player 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.[116] He is also raising money for a young Samoan who broke his neck playing rugby and whose village was destroyed in the 2009 Tsunami.[117] In 2010, McCaw and Dan Carter were on a NZ$750,000 a year contract that will see 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 will still apply if they are not selected for the world cup squad.[118]

Achievements

Year Canterbury (NPC)[n 1] Crusaders (Super Rugby) All Blacks (Tri Nations) Awards Career highlights
2001 Champions[8] 10th[121] (played only eight minutes)[7] Not selected[n 2] New Zealand Under 21 Player of the Year[16]

NPC Division One Player of the Year[16] 		All Black debut[13]
2002 Semi-finalist[19] Champions[17] Champions[2]
2003 Did not play[20] Finalist[18] Champions[24] New Zealand Player of the Year[32] 2003 World Cup
2004 Champions[37] Finalist[33] Did not play due to injury[36] NPC Division One Player of the Year[126]
2005 Semi-finalist[127] Champions[41] Champions[44] Grand Slam[44]
2006 Quarter-finalist[128] Champions[48] Champions[54] New Zealand Player of the Year[129]

IRB International Player of the Year[55] 		Captain of the All Blacks[49]
2007 Semi-finalist[130] Semi-finalist[57] Champions[60] 2007 World Cup
2008 Champions[131] Champions[67] Champions[71] Grand Slam[71]
2009 Champions[132] Semi-finalist[75] 2nd[77] New Zealand Player of the Year[133]

IRB International Player of the Year[77]
2010 Champions[134] Semi-finalist[78] Champions[135] IRB International Player of the Year[86]

New Zealand Sportsman of the Year[88] 		100 Super Rugby caps[79]

Grand Slam[84]

Most capped All Black captain[82]

Equal most capped All Black[85]

Notes and references

Notes
  1. ^ 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.[119] Canturbury contested the Air New Zealand Cup, which was later renamed the ITM Cup due to a change in sponsorship in 2010.[120]
  2. ^ The openside flankers selected in the Tri Nations squad were Taine Randell and Marty Holah.[122][123][124][125] McCaw was not to make his All Black debut until the end of year tour, after the Tri Nations had finished.
References
  1. ^ a b Richie McCaw at AllBlacks.com
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Paul Kimmage (5 November 2006). "The Big Interview: Richie McCaw". Times. UK.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Wynne Gray (12 May 2006). "The rise and rise of Richie McCaw". New Zealand Herald.
  4. ^ a b "McCaw fulfils destiny as All Black captain". Otago Daily Times. 13 May 2006.
  5. ^ "Richie McCaw: Player Profile". Canterbury Rugby Football Union. Retrieved 30 December 2010.
  6. ^ "Player Profiles: Richie McCaw". Crusaders. Retrieved 30 December 2010.
  7. ^ a b Wynne Gray (17 July 2009). "All Blacks: Ruling game from sun-up to breakdown". New Zealand Herald.
  8. ^ a b "McCaw unfazed by Kronfeld criticism". New Zealand Herald. 9 November 2001.
  9. ^ "Colts players tipped for greater things". New Zealand Herald. 2 July 2001.
  10. ^ "Kronfeld critical of the new No 7s". New Zealand Herald. 6 November 2001.
  11. ^ Julian Guyer (20 November 2010). "Lansdowne Road impresses McCaw". Times Live. South Africa.
  12. ^ Marc Hinto (20 June 2005). "Interview: Richie McCaw". The Guardian.
  13. ^ a b c "Bruised star makes big impact". New Zealand Herald. 19 November 2001.
  14. ^ "All Blacks have to find some answers". New Zealand Herald. 23 June 2002.
  15. ^ Wynne Gray (3 December 2001). "All Blacks almost humbled by Pumas". New Zealand Herald.
  16. ^ a b c "Blackadder is named our top rugby personality". New Zealand Herald. Thursday Dec 6, 2001. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  17. ^ a b Wynne Gray (25 May 2002). "Crusaders all-conquering champions of Super 12". New Zealand Herald.
  18. ^ a b "Blues are Super 12 champs". New Zealand Herald. 24 May 2003.
  19. ^ a b Wynne Gray (19 October 2002). "Auckland one step from glory". New Zealand Herald.
  20. ^ a b "Canterbury spectators as NPC climax nears". New Zealand Herald. 12 October 2003.
  21. ^ Mark Ella (Aug 09, 2002). "Backs hog headlines but the pigs save our bacon". The Sydney Morning Herald. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ^ "Crash tackled ref to sue Bok 'fan'". The Sydney Morning Herald. 12 August 2002.
  23. ^ "Randell back as captain of new-look All Blacks". New Zealand Herald. 28 October 2002.
  24. ^ a b c "World Cup will measure success of Mitchell's journey". New Zealand Herald. 30 September 2003.
  25. ^ "All Blacks 'delighted' to reclaim Bledisloe Cup". New Zealand Herald. 17 August 2003.
  26. ^ "IRB World Rankings – 13 October 2003". International Rugby Board.
  27. ^ Alan Perrott (26 August 2003). "Braid's selection 'bolt out of the blue'". New Zealand Herald.
  28. ^ "All Blacks survive Wales scare". BBC sport. 2 November 2003.
  29. ^ "New Zealand 29–9 South Africa". Guardian. UK. 8 November 2003.
  30. ^ "Australian press savages the 'wobbly' Wallabies". New Zealand Herald. 10 November 2003.
  31. ^ "Australia shock New Zealand". BBC Sport. 15 November 2003.
  32. ^ a b Harris Choy (26 November 2003). "McCaw scoops NZ rugby player of the year award". New Zealand Herald.
  33. ^ a b "First-half blitz deja vu for Deans". New Zealand Herald. 24 May 2004.
  34. ^ Wynne Gray (20 December 2003). "New position dream come true for Henry". New Zealand Herald.
  35. ^ Wynne Gray (14 July 2004). "McCaw a selection headache". New Zealand Herald.
  36. ^ a b "McCaw ruled out of remaining Tri-Nations tests". New Zealand herald. 28 July 2004.
  37. ^ a b Wynne Gray (18 September 2004). "Richie McCaw's unfinished business". New Zealand Herald.
  38. ^ Wynne Gray (Thursday Nov 18, 2004). "McCaw explains how he will tackle captaincy". New Zealand Herald. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  39. ^ "Crusaders captaincy next step up ladder for McCaw". New Zealand herald. 18 January 2005.
  40. ^ Wynne Gray (11 April 2005). "Henry fretting over McCaw". New Zealand Herald.
  41. ^ a b Wynne Gray (30 May 2005). "Crusaders provide fitting farewell". New Zealand Herald.
  42. ^ "All Blacks scorch hapless Fiji". New Zealand Herald. 10 June 2005.
  43. ^ Paul Smith (2 July 2005). "All Blacks secure record win over Lions". New Zealand Herald.
  44. ^ a b c Mitch Phillips (30 December 2005). "Black year for rugby". New Zealand Herald.
  45. ^ Mark Geenty (22 November 2005). "McCaw tipped to captain side if fit". New Zealand Herald.
  46. ^ "Carter named Player of Year, All Blacks Team of Year". New Zealand Herald. 28 November 2005.
  47. ^ "The Key Men Who Shaped the Crusade". Crusaders. Retrieved 6 February 2011.
  48. ^ a b Daniel Gilhooly (27 May 2006). "Crusaders emerge victorious in the fog". New Zealand Herald.
  49. ^ a b "No surprise as McCaw named All Blacks captain". New Zealand Herald. 13 May 2006.
  50. ^ "Collins gets to captain All Blacks". New Zealand Herald. 28 May 2006.
  51. ^ Daniel Gilhooly (10 June 2006). "Creaky All Blacks just hold out Ireland". New Zealand Herald.
  52. ^ Daniel Gilhooly (17 June 2006). "All Blacks scrape home again". New Zealand Herald.
  53. ^ Daniel Gilhooly (18 June 2006). "Selectors have no doubts about Flavell". New Zealand Herald.
  54. ^ a b Michael Brown (20 August 2006). "No stopping rampant All Blacks". New Zealand Herald.
  55. ^ a b "New Zealand scoop hat-trick of top IRB awards". New Zealand Herald. 27 November 2006.
  56. ^ Dylan Cleaver (28 January 2007). "Rugby: Deans confronts his toughest challenge". New Zealand Herald.
  57. ^ a b "Rugby: Deans not going for Wallabies job". New Zealand Herald. 18 May 2007.
  58. ^ Wynne Gray (16 June 2007). "Rugby: More a training run than a test". New Zealand Herald.
  59. ^ "Rugby: Thorne to captain ABs against Canada". New Zealand Herald. 13 June 2007.
  60. ^ a b Wynne Gray (23 July 2007). "Rugby: Pragmatic, sensible play wins Tri-Nations, saves Bledisloe". New Zealand Herald.
  61. ^ a b c "Rugby: McCaw struggles to cope with World Cup exit". New Zealand Herald. 7 October 2007.
  62. ^ a b Maria Slade (21 October 2007). "Book blames Henry for loss". New Zealand Herald.
  63. ^ John Hart (8 December 2007). "All Black takers rather than givers". New Zealand Herald.
  64. ^ Wynne Gray (9 February 2008). "Rugby: 'I thought I'd lost my job', says Henry". New Zealand Herald.
  65. ^ Gregor Paul (19 July 2009). "All Blacks: Eyes fixed on cup prize". New Zealand Herald.
  66. ^ David Leggat (17 December 2007). "Rugby: Deans shows a ton of class". New Zealand Herald.
  67. ^ a b Daniel Gilhooly (31 May 2008). "Rugby: Crusaders send Robbie off in style". New Zealand Herald.
  68. ^ Wynne Gray (23 June 2008). "All Blacks: Win overshadowed by injury list". New Zealand Herald.
  69. ^ Daniel Gilhooly (12 July 2008). "Springboks sink All Blacks in Dunedin". New Zealand Herald.
  70. ^ "All Blacks: McCaw back as coaches admit deficiencies". New Zealand Herald. 29 July 2008.
  71. ^ a b c d e Daniel Gilhooly (18 December 2008). "Review: All Blacks find redemption after successful 2008". New Zealand Herald.
  72. ^ Chris Rattue (4 August 2008). "Chris Rattue: McCaw's return is the stuff of legends". New Zealalnd Herald.
  73. ^ Wynne Gray (12 September 2008). "All Blacks: McCaw lets ball do talking". New Zealand Herald.
  74. ^ "Hong Kong to host Bledisloe Cup test". New Zealand Herald. 3 March 2008.
  75. ^ a b "Rugby: Steyn boots Crusaders out of Super 14". New Zealand Herald. 24 May 2009.
  76. ^ "Rugby: Injury puts McCaw out of All Black tests". New Zealand Herald. 29 May 2009.
  77. ^ a b c d e Wynne Gray (4 December 2009). "All Blacks: The tour that salvaged a season". New Zealand Herald.
  78. ^ a b "Rugby: Errors sink Crusaders against rampaging Bulls". New Zealand Herald. 23 May 2010.
  79. ^ a b Wynne Gray (3 May 2010). "Rugby: Crusaders add to New Zealand's woe". New Zealand Herald.
  80. ^ Mark Geenty (12 June 2010). "All Blacks crush 14-man Ireland". New Zealand Herald.
  81. ^ "All Blacks finish Tri Nations undefeated". SABC. 11 Sep, 2010. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  82. ^ a b Bret Harris (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 Limited.
  83. ^ Chris Barclay (31 October 2010). "Wallabies end 10-match losing streak". New Zealand Herald.
  84. ^ a b Chris Barclay (28 November 2010). "All Blacks: Character, composure keys to Grand Slam". New Zealand Herald.
  85. ^ a b Brendan Gallagher (18 November 2010). "Ireland v New Zealand: Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina deserve to break caps record, says Sean Fitzpatrick". Daily Telegraph.
  86. ^ a b "All Blacks: Richie McCaw named player of the year". New Zealand Herald. 2 December 2010.
  87. ^ "Richie McCaw wins IRB Player of the Year award for third time, All Blacks named team of the year". Fox Sport. 2 December 2010.
  88. ^ a b "All Whites score Halberg hat-trick". New Zealand Herald. 10 February 2011.
  89. ^ James Mortimer (17 April 2010). "It is different at the ruck, but McCaw will stay put". All Blacks official website.
  90. ^ a b "Back & McCaw: Open side master class". Total Rugby Radio. International Rugby Board. 21 November 2008.
  91. ^ Paul, Gregor; Lewis, Paul (15 August 2010). "McCaw vs Carter". New Zealand Herald.
  92. ^ Jim Tucker (24 December 2009). "Richie McCaw deserves gong as rugby union's No.1 player". Courier-Mail.
  93. ^ "New Zealand honoured by trio of IRB Awards". International Rugby Board. 1 December 2010.
  94. ^ Payten, Iain (9 September 2008). "In awe of McCaw". Daily Telegraph. News Limited.
  95. ^ Rupert Guinness (8 September 2010). "'Good on him': Pocock applauds McCaw's smarts in pushing laws to limit". Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax.
  96. ^ "Springboks angered by referee". ESPN Scrum. 18 July 2010.
  97. ^ Adnaan Mohamed (18 July 2010). "'NZ getting away with murder". Sport24.
  98. ^ a b Jon Gedde (20 August 2009). "Picture proof Richie McCaw's a serial offender". Daily Telegraph.
  99. ^ Josh Rakic (25 July 2010). "Does this man get away with murder". Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax.
  100. ^ Payten, Iain (28 July 2010). "McCaw – genius or cheat". Daily Telegraph.
  101. ^ Brenden Nel (18 August 2010). "McCaw: Only idiots don't adapt". Sport24.
  102. ^ Mark Geenty (24 June 2007). "Mauger slams 'cheap shots' on McCaw". New Zealand Herald.
  103. ^ Jim Morton and John Salvado (28 June 2007). "McCaw ready for rough stuff". Fox Sports.
  104. ^ a b Wynne Gray (9 June 2008). "Hansen makes a bold call: McCaw is better than Jones". New Zealand Herald.
  105. ^ Phil Cadden (13 June 2010). "Red card for Heaslip gives All Blacks the green light". The Independent.
  106. ^ "All Blacks clinch Grand Slam". ESPN Scrum. 27 November 2010.
  107. ^ "McCaw slams 'inconsistency': Skipper insists All Blacks have to be 'squeaky clean' on tour". Sky Sport. 10 November 2010.
  108. ^ "The good, the bad and ... Munster". Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax. 28 November 2010.
  109. ^ Chris Foley (24 August 2007). "Rugby: Don't stamp on All Black skipper Richie". New Zealand Herald. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rwc-players/news/article.cfm?c_id= ignored (help)
  110. ^ Dylan Cleaver (18 November 2010). "All Blacks: McCaw – No grudges over Heaslip". New Zealand Herald.
  111. ^ "Holt stunned at being dumped by BBC". New Zealand Herald. Thursday Aug 6, 2009. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  112. ^ a b Mark Souster (28 November 200). "Richie McCaw combines substance with style". The Times.
  113. ^ Matt Nippert (20 October 2009). "Breaking up is hard to view". New Zealand Herald.
  114. ^ "New high-flying role for McCaw". TVNZ. 12 March 2010.
  115. ^ Scott Kara (25 October 2009). "Richie McCaw's other passion – gliding". New Zealand Herald.
  116. ^ "High flying All Blacks Captain auctions flight". NZ Aviation Magazine. 2 November 2010.
  117. ^ "Richie McCaw's campaign for a young Samoan rugby star". 3 News. Thu, 12 Aug 2010. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  118. ^ Greg Ford (14 November 2010). "Rodney So'oialo, Ali Williams on a roll". Star Times.
  119. ^ Chris Barclay (Thursday Jul 20, 2006). "Will revamped NPC really fly with fans?". New Zealand Herald. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  120. ^ "Rugby: New name for NPC". New Zealand Herald. 15 March 2010.
  121. ^ "Crusaders 2001 Season". Crusaders.
  122. ^ "Tri Nations – Cape Town, 21 Jul 2001". ESPN Scrum (stats guru).
  123. ^ "Tri Nations – Dunedin, 11 Aug 2001". ESPN Scrum (stats guru).
  124. ^ "Tri Nations – Auckland, 25 August 2001". ESPN Scrum (stats guru).
  125. ^ "Tri Nations – Sydney, 1 September 2001". ESPN Scrum (stats guru).
  126. ^ "Carter named Player of the Year". ESPN Scrum. 3 February 2005.
  127. ^ Wynne Gray (15 October 2005). "Otago surprise Canterbury". New Zealand Herald.
  128. ^ Wynne Gray (11 October 2006). "Grown-up team ready for Auckland". New Zealand Herald.
  129. ^ "McCaw adds NZ honour to haul". New Zealand Herald. 15 December 2006.
  130. ^ "Rugby: Wellington hang on and deny desperate Canterbury". New Zealand Herald. 14 October 2007.
  131. ^ Steve Deane (27 October 2008). "Rugby: Canterbury eke out win in lacklustre final". New Zealand Herald.
  132. ^ "Rugby: Carter special seals Canterbury win". New Zealand Herald. Thursday Oct 15, 2009. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  133. ^ "Richie McCaw rugby player of the year". New Zealand Herald. 18 December 2009.
  134. ^ "Rugby: Canterbury romp to third straight title". New Zealand Herald. 5 November 2010.
  135. ^ "All Blacks win last-minute thriller". New Zealand Herald. 22 August 2010.
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

Template:Persondata

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Richie_McCaw&oldid=433310541"