Richie McCaw didn't hesitate when naming the best rugby stadium for atmosphere

10/11/2024 08:18 PM

When Richie McCaw, arguably the greatest rugby player of all time, talks about stadiums that made a lasting impact on him, the rugby world listens.

The former All Blacks captain, who led his team to two World Cup victories, has played in nearly every major rugby arena, but a few hold a special place in his heart.

Let's take a closer look at McCaw's favourite rugby grounds, the atmosphere they offer, and some quirky details that make them legendary.

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Principality Stadium: Rugby Heaven Under a Roof

McCaw's top choice for atmosphere? The iconic Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Known for its electric vibe when the roof is closed, McCaw fondly recalls the incredible energy of the crowd that echoes through the 74,000-seat arena.

“It is great to be playing with the roof closed as that creates both a great atmosphere and a dry ball,” said Richie McCaw. The indoor setting makes the venue unique, creating a cauldron-like effect where sound bounces around, making it incredibly loud. Whether you’re Welsh or not, the cheers (and jeers) surround you from all angles.

Despite the deafening noise, McCaw loved the challenge:
“It can be extremely noisy but then it is the same for both sides and you just have to do your best to get your messages over to your mates.”

This stadium, originally known as the Millennium Stadium, is nestled in the heart of Cardiff and is as iconic for its retractable roof as for the history it holds. From World Cup finals to Six Nations clashes, it’s a venue that every player wants to experience.

For McCaw, this stadium is in a league of its own:
“It is certainly one of my favourite places,” he said. And who can blame him? Few rugby venues boast the atmosphere of Principality on a match day.

Ellis Park: A Fortress of History and Intimidation

McCaw also holds South Africa’s Ellis Park in high regard. Located in Johannesburg, this is a venue drenched in history, perhaps most famously known as the site where South Africa won the 1995 Rugby World Cup. For McCaw, playing at Ellis Park was as intimidating as it was exhilarating.

“Ellis Park is one of the great stadiums to play test rugby at, even though it is tough and intimidating,” McCaw wrote on his Facebook page.

What makes Ellis Park so daunting? The high altitude of Johannesburg, combined with the passion of the home fans, gives the Springboks an edge. At 1,753 meters (5,750 feet) above sea level, it's known to sap the energy of even the fittest athletes. The chants of “Bokke! Bokke!” resonate through the concrete structure, making it a cauldron for visiting teams.

The stadium’s open design ensures that no roof can muffle the roar of 60,000 fans. Built in 1928, Ellis Park remains one of the most storied and intense rugby environments in the world. It's not just the physical challenge of playing at altitude—it's the sense of history and national pride that you can feel in the air.

Lansdowne Road: Old-School Grit Meets Modern Marvel

Ireland's Lansdowne Road, now replaced by the state-of-the-art Aviva Stadium, was another standout for McCaw. The flanker cherishes the memories of playing at both the old Lansdowne Road and its ultra-modern successor.

“There’s no doubt the current Aviva is an amazing place to play, but to have played at the old Lansdowne Road a couple of times… I was pretty lucky to get to play at both,” McCaw said, reflecting on the ground's evolution.

The old Lansdowne Road was a stadium with character, grit, and history, where the noise from the crowd felt like it was pressing down on you from the rickety stands. Built in 1872, it was the oldest rugby stadium in the world before being replaced by the Aviva.

While the Aviva boasts a sleek, modern design with its eye-catching curved roof, McCaw still holds a soft spot for the original, especially with its unique location—straddling a train line. When Lansdowne was redeveloped, trains had to be factored into the design, making it a quirky feature of a world-class stadium.

Croke Park: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

One of the most special memories for McCaw didn't happen in a traditional rugby stadium. During the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road, Ireland's rugby team moved temporarily to Croke Park, traditionally a GAA stadium, home to hurling and Gaelic football.

“I’ll tell you what – the one great experience we had when it was being rebuilt was to play at Croke Park. I understand the history of Croke Park and that was pretty cool,” McCaw shared.

Croke Park, with its 82,000 capacity, is not just a sporting arena but a national symbol in Ireland. The site of the 1920 Bloody Sunday massacre, the stadium is deeply entwined with the country's turbulent history. For many, playing rugby in a GAA fortress was a symbolic moment of unity between different Irish sports and communities.

Richie McCaw ranks his five toughest opponents

Sourcing several Q&A's from down the years, including one with Rugby World, here is his top five:

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

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