Richie McCaw didn't even blink when asked who his toughest opponent was
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New Zealand legend Richie McCaw went toe-to-toe with some of rugby's greatest names during his glittering career.
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The two-time World Cup winner and record 148-cap All Black has revealed the five toughest back-row opponents he ever faced.
From World Cup final heartbreakers to breakdown nightmares, these are the players who pushed McCaw to his limits.
5. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Position: Back-row
Height: 6 ft 2 in
Weight: 218 lb
Caps: 80
If there was one player who tormented the All Blacks on the biggest stage, it was Thierry Dusautoir. The French flanker led his nation to one of the biggest World Cup shocks ever in 2007, before putting in a heroic shift in the 2011 final—scoring a try and earning Man of the Match despite defeat.
McCaw on Dusautoir: "You always knew he was there. He was a menace at the breakdown and a massive presence defensively."
DID YOU KNOW? Dusautoir made a record 38 tackles in one game—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
Born in Zimbabwe, David Pocock became one of the best openside flankers of his generation. A relentless breakdown specialist, he was a key figure in Australia's 2011 and 2015 World Cup campaigns.
McCaw on Pocock: "I always looked forward to battles against other No7s, and Pocock was one of the best."
DID YOU KNOW? Off the field, Pocock co-founded Eightytwenty Vision, a non-profit supporting underprivileged communities in Zimbabwe.
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