Rugby World Cup: Time to tag Richie as The Greatest

Is it time to pronounce Richie McCaw as the greatest All Black to have ever pulled on the black jersey?

Richie McCaw. Photo: annzstream.

When he runs out onto Eden Park tonight in a Pool A match against France, he will make history as the first New Zealander to play 100 test matches and become just the 19th player in World rugby to achieve that feat. His record speaks for itself. Since making his debut on the 2001 end-of-year tour against Ireland, All Black number 1014 has lost just 12 test matches in his 99 played. He has the best record of any All Black captain since first captaining in 2004 with a winning percentage of 87% in 60 tests in charge. He has been voted the IRB International Player of the Year on three separate occasions.

But it is not just his playing record that commands attention. He may just be one of the most humble people that rugby followers have ever encountered. Any accolade McCaw receives is quickly dedicated to his teammates and his graciousness in defeat is always evident when he speaks. Nothing seems to rile the Omarau born flank forward. From constant pressure from foreign media on his "playing style" to niggle from opposition players, McCaw has always stayed grounded and level headed. In saying that, he has never been shy to tell it like it is but his eloquence and intelligence lets him portray it in a matter that is unoffensive and unobtrusive.

McCaw, like many All Blacks before him, is a great player but he possesses something more than that. This is what sets him apart from guys like Andy Dalton, Sean Fitzpatrick, Reuben Thorne and Tana Umaga. Even the great Colin Meads is under pressure for the "greatest All Black of all time" tag and when McCaw fronts up after tonight's match, win or lose, you know he will be gracious and humble for what he is, what he has and where he came from.

Richard Hugh McCaw, New Zealand and the World salutes you.

- Rhys Chamberlain

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