Richie McCaw Reveals the One Player He Absolutely Hated and Had Zero Respect For
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Few players in rugby history can match the grit, skill, and leadership of Richie McCaw. The former All Blacks captain dominated the sport for over a decade, guiding New Zealand to two Rugby World Cup titles and earning a reputation as one of the toughest competitors ever to grace the field.
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But with greatness comes rivalry, and McCaw’s relentless style often saw him locked in fierce battles with some of the game's most fiery characters. From contentious tackles to outright confrontations, McCaw's career was filled with moments that showcased not just his skill but his resilience in the face of adversity.
Here, we dive into the unforgettable clashes that defined McCaw's journey and left a lasting legacy in the rugby world.
STEPHEN LARKHAM
Aussie icon Stephen Larkham was no pushover, and when he clashed with McCaw, sparks flew. The Wallabies fly-half matched McCaw's ferocity, proving he could dish it out as well as take it.
LOTE TUQIRI
The infamous spear tackle. Tuqiri's shocking hit on McCaw somehow escaped the referee's attention, but it left fans stunned. It's remarkable that McCaw walked away without serious injury. Then again, he wasn't nicknamed Captain Courageous for nothing.
QUADE COOPER
The man Kiwis loved to hate.
During the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Cooper became public enemy number one in New Zealand after appearing to knee McCaw in the head during a Bledisloe Cup clash. Although he beat the charge, Cooper's reputation was tarnished.
New Zealanders weren't quick to forgive, booing him relentlessly throughout the World Cup and long after. Years later, Cooper admitted the knee was intentional but said he regretted not owning up earlier.
"Yeah, it was on purpose," Cooper confessed on The Ice Project podcast. "But on a footy field, things happen. My mistake was not admitting it. I later apologised to Richie."
McCaw, for his part, made it clear there was no love lost between them during their playing days.
WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:
THE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
- 4 x Night's accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
- 7 x Night's accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
- 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
DEAN GREYLING
A cameo to forget.
South African prop Dean Greyling's substitute appearance in the 2012 Rugby Championship is remembered for all the wrong reasons. In a reckless moment, Greyling charged into a ruck and delivered a forearm smash to McCaw's face, leaving the All Blacks skipper writhing in pain.
The crowd at Forsyth Barr Stadium erupted in boos as Greyling was shown a yellow card. Many believe the act would warrant a straight red in today's game. McCaw, bruised but unbowed, got up and led the All Blacks to yet another victory, cementing his status as one of rugby's toughest players.
Alun Wyn Jones and Owen Farrell included on list of worst British & Irish Lions
The British & Irish Lions is the pinnacle of a player’s career – a chance to prove yourself against the very best. But not everyone rises to the occasion.
While some have cemented their legacies in red jerseys, others have left fans wondering how they even made the squad.
From unfortunate injuries to underwhelming performances, we take a look at some of the worst Lions players across different tours, with big names like Owen Farrell and Alun Wyn Jones making the cut.
2021 tour: Owen Farrell – The forgotten playmaker
Owen Farrell, one of the most recognisable and influential players in modern rugby, endured a tour to forget in South Africa. Despite his vast experience and reputation as a leader, Farrell was named by SA Rugby Mag as the worst-performing Lion on the tour.
Initially expected to play a key role, he started three games and featured off the bench in the first two Tests.
However, as the series decider loomed, head coach Warren Gatland made a brutal call – dropping Farrell from the matchday 23 entirely. It was a stark fall from grace for a player who was once considered indispensable.
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