All Blacks legend Richie McCaw names his top 5 opponents of all time
04/21/2025 07:11 AM
Richie McCaw, the iconic captain of the All Blacks, has recognised an English flanker as one of the most formidable adversaries he ever faced.
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He began his rugby journey began at Otago Boys’ High School and continued at the University of Canterbury. His professional debut came in 2001 with Canterbury in the National Provincial Championship, swiftly followed by a Super Rugby debut with the Crusaders.
Known for his exceptional ability as an openside flanker, McCaw’s on-field intelligence, physicality, and relentless work ethic set him apart. His tenure with the All Blacks, spanning from 2001 to 2015, saw him earn 148 caps, a record for New Zealand at the time of his retirement.
Throughout his career, McCaw was renowned for his leadership qualities. He captained the All Blacks a record 110 times, demonstrating tactical acumen and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His accolades include multiple IRB Player of the Year awards and recognition as the New Zealand Sportsman of the Year.
Off the field, McCaw is respected for his humility and dedication to charitable endeavors. Since retiring, he has continued to contribute to the sport and his community, including involvement in youth development and various philanthropic activities.
In his list of the five toughest flankers he encountered in his illustrious career, the two-time Rugby World Cup champion begins with the legendary French captain Thierry Dusautoir at the top.
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5. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
- Position Back-row
- Height 6 ft 2 in
- Weight 218 lb
- Caps 80
Dusautoir made his international debut against Romania in 2006 before making a name for himself the following year when France stunned New Zealand 20-18 in the World Cup quarter-finals.
The former France skipper also scored a try and was named man of the match in the 2011 World Cup final when New Zealand avenged their defeat of four years earlier with an 8-7 win in the final.
RichieMcCaw said: “Over the years I’ve played him a few times and you always know he’s there,” said McCaw of Dusautoir. “He was always pretty big defensively and in the breakdown area. A menace”
DID YOU KNOW? He broke the record for most tackles in a match, making 38 tackles against the All Blacks in the 2007 World Cup
4. David Pocock (Australia)
- Position Flanker
- Height 6 ft 0 in
- Weight 227 lb
- Caps 80
The Zimbabwe-born openside flanker, who made his debut for the Wallabies in 2008 and played at his first Rugby World Cup in 2011, was widely considered one of the best players in his position.
RichieMcCaw said: “Ever since I started playing rugby I’ve looked forward to games against other No7s who are highly rated,” he said. “Pocock was one of the best.”
DID YOU KNOW? Pocock and his friend Luke O'Keefe run a not-for-profit organisation, Eightytwenty Vision, which has the aim of helping the less fortunate people of Zimbabwe.
3. Richard Hill (England/Lions)
- Position Back-row
- Height 6 ft 2 in
- Weight 224 lb
- Caps 76
Hill played 288 times for Saracens and 71 times for England making him one of the modern greats of the English game. He also played five Tests for the British and Irish Lions between 1997 and 2005.
The ultimate players' player. Did all the unseen, grafting work and just got on with his job in unassuming fashion, putting his body on the line. Able to excel right across the back row, he was a pivotal figure on two Lions trips and an England World Cup winner.
McCaw said: "Extremely gifted player who had all the ability in the world to play and run the ball. When England needed someone to dig in he was your man. He had the full tool bag and quietly got on with it."
DID YOU KNOW? On his mother’s side, Hill is a second cousin removed of film director Peter Jackson
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