Champion All Blanks flanker and captain Richie McCaw might just be the greatest rugby player in history.
McCaw recently played in his 100th test win. Yes, that’s right – 100th test win. That’s not 100th test appearance, but 100th test win.
To provide the literary equivalent of a pause while readers pondered this would require me to leave at least half a page blank. But of course that’s impractical. But consider this briefly, all the same.
McCaw, quite incredibly, has achieved his 100 test wins out of an overall 112 tests played. That’s a winning ratio percentage (WRP) of a staggering 89.28%. In other words, he has been on the winning side in 9 out of every 10 tests he has played. Nine out of EVERY 10 tests.
To put this in context, the Wallabies won 9 out of 10 tests in 1991 on their way to winning the World Cup. But they haven’t been able to do this consistently year-in and year-out. McCaw has.
There are only 21 players throughout the history of the game who have reached the coveted 100 test appearances, with fellow All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu set to join this august group against the Wallabies in Brisbane this Saturday as the 22nd centurion.
Of these players, the next most wins is by George Gregan with 93 out of 139 tests played (67.62% WRP), followed by Jason Leonard (89 out of 119, 75.63% WRP).
Since McCaw intends to continue playing until the 2015 World Cup, injuries permitting, he is likely to set a record for most winning tests that will stand for a very long time.
Whoever eventually beats his record, if ever, will most definitely be very, very tired! To put McCaw’s WRP in ever-more perspective, the next best WRP among the centurions is Mils Muliana with 84% in an even 100 tests. However, Mealamu’s current WRP is 85.85%.
Of all the players who have appeared in over 50 test matches, only one player has a superior WRP, and only just. That man is yet another All Black – centre Conrad Smith – with 56 wins from 62 tests and a WRP of 90.32%.
If there’s any doubt that NZ is consistently the best rugby team on the planet, then these stats certainly bear that out.
Richie McCaw is no saint and I like that about him. I like my heroes to be flawed diamonds, humans, just like the rest of us.
Even so, McCaw appears to be not only respected by his peers, but liked as well. While it seems he is also revered by the younger generation, as it should be. McCaw is the kind of guy you would like to have as a mate. At least that’s the perception.
McCaw has been given a great back-handed compliment by Aussie rugby fans who have labelled him a serial cheat.
There is a humorous irony in this, as any flanker worth his salt, especially an open-side flanker, must be willing to play on the edge of the law. It comes with the territory. If you’re not willing to play on the edge and occasionally over the edge, then find a less contentious position to play, like er, winger.
Some things are in the DNA of every position. Scrumhalfs yap incessantly, wingers can’t catch, props don’t have necks and flankers cheat. That’s the way it is!
For a long time I was unwilling to concede that McCaw was a superior player to the superbly athletic Michael Jones, but McCaw eventually wore me down, in the same way he wears down opposition flankers, flyhalfs and the referees as well! While I think Jones remains the most perfect rugby athlete I’ve seen, McCaw is probably the best-ever rugby player of all time.
Richard Hugh McCaw was born on the last day of 1980 (which the superstitious claim is a good omen). He came from a family steeped in distinction. His grandfather was a fighter pilot during WW2, credited with shooting down 20 V I missile rockets in the last year of the war. McCaw developed a love of flying from his grandfather and is a qualified pilot.
McCaw made his test debut late in 2001 against Ireland. He was embroiled in controversy early in his career when he wrestled a South African spectator, who had come onto the pitch in Durban to harass Irish ref David McHugh, to the ground in 2002.
As mentioned earlier, McCaw is far from perfect. His captaincy during the World Cup quarter-final against France in 2007 was a low point, when he along with his team mates, appeared to be bereft of ideas and they subsequently lost.
But he has learnt from his mistakes to become a clever and inspirational leader. During the 2011 World Cup tournament, won by the All Blacks, McCaw inspired his team mates and the nation, playing on virtually one leg after suffering a debilitating ankle injury.
I have been following rugby for about 45 years. Richie McCaw is the best open-side flanker I’ve seen in that time, while his phenomenal win-loss record alone suggests he might also be the best player in any position in history.
As for best captain, I will reserve judgement for the time being. But it’s fair to say he’s up there among the best leaders.
> Sheek’s writing: Sheekabout.com.au
Frans Swanepoel
Guest
I am writing 5min prior to test against England 2013 Nov 16. Mccaw for certain greatest rugby player ever. Is there anybody else that comes close? . NO!!!!! I am a staunch SA supporter watching rugby since 1970.
shelley
Guest
That turner hit has passed into mythology. I've never seen it but I remember a mate coming back from the game and talking about it in hushed tones.
Vhavnal
Roar Rookie
Well a reknowned Rugby forum has bestowed upon the name of "G.O.A.T Sir Richie McCaw" GOAT in this retrospect means Greatest Of All Time
Neuen
Guest
Jonah basically changed the status of rugby and was the first real super star of it. No one compares to what he achieved or has done for the game. And he ran over Catt which was the sweetest moment of all.
ANON69
Guest
I respectfully disagree. I have not seen McCaw convert a penalty after 90 mins of forward play to win a Bledisloe. : "I'm not an alcoholic. I only drink when McCaw's offside." The Australan. Great line.
rae1
Guest
That actually made me laugh out loud,good one!
rae1
Guest
Agree about Lomu,defensively he was found wanting.As for Dan and Richie I believe its a draw purely because their roles within the team are so different.Dan is more finesse rather than physicality,however they are both great at what they do.
nick
Guest
fair point clipper but mcCaws numbers are getting up there. 3 IRB player of the year titles RWC MULTIPLE BLED, TN and now RC 1st MAN TO 100 WINS He's quite far ahead of everyone in terms of his abilities and longevity not to mention he's seen off two generations (at least) of competing opensides from around the world. People he's played against have retired and he's still getting the better of the new gus coming through who are 10 years his junior
Chivas
Guest
Firstly, i apologise for my personal attack. I thought that was a bit cheap after i posted it. So i take it back. It was disingenuous and uncalled for by me. Now, I never said he was the best player of all time. But I definitely think he is up there and I think time will determine exactly that. Time remembers achievements. If you want to get caught up in incidents of cheating and then use Colin Meads as the bench mark don't you think that is bit odd. And if you did play in the super 10 days, you also know how much dirtier the game was then. They don't have bullies and thugs like then. I was standing right next to a large No. 8, who shall remain nameless, but suffice to say he was a prominent player from Auckland and it wasn't Zinny or Buck, who at 120kg stomped a guy in the head I thought he was going to break his skull or severely injure him. Colin Meads also wasn't above thuggery and nor was the opposition he was up against. Now you want McCaw to be a saint as well as the best footballer. Makes no sense to me, but as you say let time be the judge. You show me a clean player who has never got into a confrontation on the field and I will hope he is good enough to have a camera strapped to him like RM to show you otherwise. My other point regarded your comparison to Armstrong which as I explained is as ludicrous as it is outrageous. Whatever our opinions surely it should not be on opinions of style. What RM does is effective and within the spirit of the game. If it's not, you can also throw out Colin Meads, Fitzpatrick and many others... In summary, Richie McCaw will be remembered as one of the greatest players of all time, because history will look back on his achievements which are huge on anyone's eyes... And history has a habit of looking back through rose coloured glasses. The same ones you look through with fond memories of Pinetree
Hasbeen Flanker
Guest
Chivas - my nickname is that as I used to play the position - super 10's days - 15 years ago. No personal attacks please just because I am expressing an opinion opposite to yours and I will not assume you drink cheap scotch. Moderator, my piece last night was censored, so play fair now.
Hasbeen Flanker
Guest
Chivas - did you check the HK tape that I referred to? Do that, then look at the Parra incident. A fist and then a knee.....Talk to me than if you wish. Integrity is showing up and asking the question face-to-face mate, not fluffing about on a blog eh? He is your best player ever - that's fine. He's not mine and you're not happy that I can easily find a bit of tarnish on the bloke. Re: last night. Higginbotham will do 2 weeks for last nights attempt to do Jouberts job for him......but in the end...where was your bloke...?...exactly where he has built his career....off his feet on the wrong side of the ruck. Will you blokes ever have the guts to admit it? Read and Mealamu played okay otherwise gold fwds had us. Colin Meads would have him hung drawn and quartered before breakfast IMO.
colvin
Guest
To be the best player ever Richie has to be better than all the tens of millions of players that went before him. Whether he is or not it's hard to gather but his record and ability to dominate a game over a lengthy career have to have him right up there. But what interests me is what is his make up? You'd need someone to analyze his brain and his physical makeup to see what it is that puts him in this place. I mean, consider his brain, his reactions are quicker, smarter than everyone else. Is his brain made up like normal people or does it have some component that the rest of us don't. Or is he like the six million dollar man, made up of all sorts of internal metal with a robotic engine inside like Lee Majors was. He has to be because how could he do what he does when millions of people before him couldn't. But when you think of it more deeply he can't have metal engines inside because he travels constantly and he would set off scanners at the airport. So assuming he is human after all what is it that makes him so different. Is his heart twice the size of everyone else? is his blood different from the rest of us? What is it that gives him the stamina? increases his mental alertness towards the end of a match when he should be tired? Or is he just a super athlete? Is he the type that if he played another sport, he could win an Olympic gold metal at, say, the marathon; or a rowing gold medal; or 10,000 metres and at the same time set a world record in doing so. Because I suppose that's the comparison, setting a world record must mean you were the best ever. So does that make him just a normal human being like say Phelps the US Olympic swimmer who won all those gold medals, just better than the rest of us. I don't think so. It seems to me Richie is particularly exceptional and all this talk of his enjoying gliding, I suspect he can do it without a glider. Let's check him out next time he he goes up there. And let's see if he changes gear in a telephone booth.
Chivas
Guest
Integrity... Is that when you get someone to sign your book, then trash talk them. Seems like you just get a kick out of taking an opposing opinion or being derogatory. But to do your comment fair dues and ignore the fact that you maybe a bit of a fair weather bitter wallabies supporter. Firstly, have you ever played rugby before. To compare him to a drug cheat, shows how our of touch you are. One gets a life ban, the other gets an ingame penalty. One meant that Armstrong had to stand down from supporting a charity and has disrupted the entire world of cycling. The other every young person tries to emulate. So far, you have shown your own lack of values and integrity and your willingness to make extreme completely delusional comparisons. You may as well compare Justin Harrison to Charles Manson... Offensive and ridiculous. 6 more men... based on what your perceptions. He admitted to you personally, would suggest he is open and honest. How is the chorus of support, a major character flaw of Mc gaws. You can quote Churchill till the cows come home in an attempt to make up for your complete lack of logic or thought. As to your name has been flanker, I am guessing that's just a nic you used for this post, because the way you think you have never been near a rugby ball. A third string side, with 2nd rate supporters and third rate knowledge. And for the record most people on here wouldn't agree with your extreme perspective. Personally I could care less whether fair weather rugby supporters like you think he's the best or not. In many circles where it counts he is regarded highly both in his ability as a captain a player and a person. Is he perfect, no, no-one is. Is he a blight on the sport like Armstrong. Only a complete idiot would suggest such!
Hasbeen Flanker
Guest
I will agree McCaw is a very very good player and the best in the last 8 years. He is the best AB. But he is not the best player to ever play the game. You simply can't be when most spectators of our game agree he breaks the rules consistently but gets away with it. Kind of like just conceding Lance Armstrong is the greatest cyclist....except that he isnt. But let's let history judge in time eh gents. I can think of at least six men who are more deserving on the grounds of achievement and legacy in world rugby. His ability of course ought to be more highly rated against players from earlier era's. Modern professional approaches to the game dictate thus. I personally give more weight in the game of rugby to the character of a man. It has been alluded to by others above of McCaw's questionable standards in this regard and I will now give you more examples below. It is easy to point to certain stats to back your claim Shrek. We all can. How about the statistic which shows he is the least penalised flanker in world rugby? How about the statistic that shows the AB's have enjoyed the least amount of penalties than any other team in world rugby by a factor of 7:1? And before you call in the statistician, yes, that is a statistical anomoly. Additionally, he admitted to me personally when signing his book in Auckland last Friday at Whitcoulls Bookstore, Queen Street that Donald's penalty kick in the 2011 RWC final missed in his opinion (check page 248 of his book). This was the ultimate match in our sport....... I was gobsmacked by his candid response to my question. If he has that attitude, then it has not settled in his mind that he won the RWC fair and square.....perhaps why he is committing so early to RWC 2015....? To shake off the demon. Is this your "best player ever" Shrek? Or maybe he feels some perverse sense of remorse for getting away with taking out Morgan Parra illegally in that RWC final and being backed so sycophantically by his fans who don't understand what all the fuss is about nor do they care...? I was there. It was a farce and it seems, he knows it. Tarnishing the integrity of the game in this way topples him from the summit in my opinion. So for that reason his light does not shine so bright for me. Citing an additional example of lack of integrity.....the chorus of support he got for the Cooper kneeing incident last year is another example of his major character flaw. Is anyone prepared to go back to the earlier HK game between AB's & WLB's and see who landed the first dirty blow in that little contest....? Check the tape and wake up. I guess Shrek this just goes to show that your question lends for a degree of subjectivity that renders it all fairly meaningless . "The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is." - Winston Churchill
Jerry
Guest
John Eeales didn't, no. John Eales was pretty useful though.
sheek
Roar Guru
ANON, Eales is arguably the greatest Wallaby player. However, I rate McCaw superior over a range of indicators. It certainly helps playing for the ABs. Actually, when I say "greatest rugby player" I am essentially referring to achievement & legacy as well as ability. I'm acutely aware it's difficult to compare a flanker to a lock, or a winger to a centre.
ANON69
Guest
John Eeales have never played Rugby?
west
Guest
ummm simple answer ...YES. True inspiration for all rugby fans world wide, and will be a huge asset in the future for up coming All Blacks.
The Battered Slav
Guest
Wow. Just wow. Well, as you say it is all subjective, but one certainly can't fault your research ABnutta, very solid stuff. We could sit here and debate your XV position by position until the cows come home, but the truth is I'm probably a little out of my depth to bother judging by your efforts above. Good to see you'd have Catchpole over Going though, need at least one token Aussie. Although I'm not sure how well Pinetree and Catchpole would get along!
Jiggles
Roar Guru
reptile...