When was richie mccaw made captain

McCaw played 87 of his Test matches outside of New Zealand. He lost two of 61 Tests played in New Zealand and 13 in 87 overseas. The only two teams he did not play internationally were the US and Uruguay.

McCaw made his debut in against Ireland and by the time he finished with a second World Cup title win in , All Blacks had made their debut. McCaw, in a year period, only missed 28 Tests and the most revealing statistic is that in those 28 Tests, the All Blacks winning percentage was Graham Henry, who coached the All Blacks to the World Cup title and Steve Hansen, who assisted in and was head coach in the World Cup triumph, described McCaw as the greatest player in New Zealand rugby history and without comparison the greatest captain.

The most extraordinary moment came less than a year later, in Durban, when McCaw helped save Irish referee David McHugh from an embittered South African supporter who ran on to the field and attacked the official. Neither they nor anyone else at Kings Park that day will forget that episode.

Venter," McHugh told the Herald. I don't remember much about it," said McHugh, who has met McCaw several times since. Not only is Richie McCaw one of the most outstanding opensiders to play this game but he is also a thorough gentleman.

His mother Margaret was a teacher, his father Don never played rugby, and his only sibling, Joanna, plays netball in Christchurch.

As a youngster McCaw enjoyed all the outdoor pursuits the area offered and he played rugby for the nearby Kurow club in North Otago where coach and local farmer Barney McCone set him on his way. He did stand out, he had a really good attitude and he usually played at No 8 for us. I have not really seen another like him. Otago had set their sights on using another rising young flanker, Sam Harding, and Canterbury were grateful to claim McCaw. He only played a few minutes in the Super 12 in but a full NPC campaign persuaded Mitchell that McCaw had the goods for international rugby.

All Black No was ready. Is he ready for the captaincy? Having been involved in the majority of those Test matches, I can't recall him ever playing a bad game. Leadership doesn't come to anyone naturally, it's a learned skill. After the adversity of and the criticism that came with that, Richie's mental toughness and desire to improve really shone through.

It's those qualities that have made him, in my view, the greatest leader of the All Blacks of all time. Not only has he enhanced the jersey during his time, but he has left a lasting legacy that will be talked about by many people long after we're all gone.

It's been an absolute pleasure to have shared the road with him. Toggle navigation. Who we help. Who we are About us Staff Directors. How to help Our priority funds. Business Giving Legacy Giving. Direct Debit Annual Appeal. Report an injury Affiliate Organisations. Player Insurance Injured players section Seriously injured player login Seriously injured player grants. Concussion Information TBI. Concussion Research TBI. RugbySmart SCI. Annual Reports.