Another Test, another couple of world records for All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.
The veteran flanker scored two tries, the third double of his 129-Test career, as New Zealand pummelled the Wallabies 51-20 in Auckland to retain the Bledisloe Cup.
In doing so, he took his tally to 23 tries, the most in Tests by any forward from a tier-one nation.
The previous record was 22, scored by former Wales No.8 Colin Charvis.
McCaw, 33, also holds the record for the most tries by any player against a tier-one opponent, surpassing a number of prolific outside backs.
His 11 tries against Australia eclipses the former world record of 10 scored by All Blacks fullback Christian Cullen against South Africa.
A number of players are on nine, including former Wallabies David Campese (against Argentina) and Matt Giteau (against South Africa).
McCaw is the sport’s most capped forward and captain (92 Tests) and has won easily more Tests as a player (114) and skipper (81) than anyone.
mdamn
Guest
One more only the second Yellow Card in his career. Well done.
rae1
Guest
Richie doesn't pray... he just talks to himself.
Ra
Guest
I like the boy, he's a real ferret. He reminds me of my foxie, goes like the clapper, fearless, tireless, and not afraid to tangle with the big dogs. He needs a big strong pacy loosie who can shadow him. Higginbotham fits that bill and mongrel to boot. I thought about Schatz as the third loose forward but he and Robinson got monstered by the Crusaders. Why not convert Wykes if you're gonna convert another second rower. The guy is big, has great skills and athleticism, and is all mongrel and finese on the paddock. He might be a pocket battleship of international locks but the bloke could do the job at 6.
Old Bugger
Guest
Ben S Hang on a minute - didn't Messam score a try in J'burg last year just before the HT hooter went?? Cos when he returned, he was running in the other direction....so, I don't know why you say he can't change directions. Oh and btw, his try gave the ABs the lead for the first time in the match. I think you need a new compass mate cos Messam knows exactly what direction he's heading. And of course, absolutely agree on RM. He is one of the best that I've seen and I've seen a few....
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
mapu
Guest
Peter K must still be rocking back and forth in a very dark room with some of his egg mates.
michael
Guest
Pray
Clark
Guest
Wayne Gretzky, Ice Hockey legend I think?
Ben.S
Roar Guru
Kaino can change the direction of games - Messam can't. Beating a stereotypically powderpuff Wallaby pack up at Eden Park doesn't change that.
frisky
Guest
Who is Grettsky, Targa?
flying hori
Guest
Richie IS God
Marty
Guest
Hooper's not even the best 7 in Australia
BlackSheep
Guest
Brodie and a couple others were working double time to compensate for Liam Messam's absence. What a shambles...
Common Sense
Guest
I think we're at the point where Messam and Kaino are much for muchness these days.
formeropenside
Guest
but but but...McCaw was outplayed by Hooper, and Hooper is the best 7 in the world, so how could McCaw get all these records?
Riccardo
Guest
That may be the case Winston but Ben is right. Kaino and a firing Read really add balance and punch to that backrow. That said, it was a scintillating performance from the skipper after that silly yellow. As you say below, he's a bit of a legend...
Winston
Guest
The pack looked pretty good on Saturday without Kaino.
Winston
Guest
What a legend eh?
WQ
Guest
I love the fact that the Wallaby fans and the pathetic Australian Rugby media keep fuelling Ritchie McCaw to produce a Masterclass against them with their constant negativity towards the greatest Rugby player ever. Every time they write him off he pulls their pants down with a performance that they can only prey for out of someone in a Wallaby jersey!!
Targa
Guest
He is now on the same level as Bradman, Pele, Jordan & Gretsky: the best of the best in team sports.