Richie McCaw

File:Otago Boys High School.jpg

His paternal fourth great-grandfather was Seth Smith, who built large proportions of Belgravia & Mayfair in London in the 1830s, related through his great, great-grandmother Sarah Annette Seth-Smith McCaw. McCaw's great-great-grandfather immigrated to New Zealand from the Scottish Borders in 1893,{{cite news |title=The Big Interview: Richie McCaw |first=Paul |last=Kimmage |date=5 November 2006 |newspaper=Times |location=UK |url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/sport/article167129.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203043010/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/sport/article167129.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 February 2014 |access-date=7 January 2013}} and settled in the Hakataramea Valley, Waimate District, South Canterbury. McCaw's father took over the family farm and his mother was a teacher at Kurow.{{cite news |title=The rise and rise of Richie McCaw |author=Wynne Gray |date=12 May 2006 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10381356}}

On New Year's Eve 1980, Richard Hugh McCaw was born in the nearby town of Oamaru.{{Cite web|url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/40040/richie-mccaw-holds-the-webb-ellis-trophy|title=Rugby union - Rugby World Cup|last=Palenski|first=Ron|publisher=New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu|date=19 Sep 2016|website=Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand |language=en|access-date=2017-06-14}} He grew up on his parents' farm along with his sister Joanna. McCaw started flying gliders with his grandfather J H 'Jim' McCaw,{{cite news|title=All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has special reason to recognise Armistice Day|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/newzealand/3417548/All-Blacks-captain-Richie-McCaw-has-special-reason-to-recognise-Armistice-Day-Rugby-Union.html|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=10 November 2008}} a Tempest pilot during World War II credited with shooting down 20 V1 missiles, when he was nine years old. He played rugby for the local Kurow rugby club as a youngster, but it was not until 1994, when he boarded at Otago Boys' High School in Dunedin, that he started to take the game seriously.

In his last year at Otago Boys' High, McCaw was head boy, proxime accessit (runner up) to the dux and played in the school's 1st XV.{{cite news |title=McCaw fulfils destiny as All Black captain |newspaper=Otago Daily Times |date=13 May 2006 |url=http://richie-mccaw.blogspot.com/2007/06/mccaw-fulfils-destiny-as-all-black.html}} McCaw came to the attention of national selectors during a 5-all draw with Rotorua Boys' High School in the 1998 New Zealand secondary schools rugby final in Christchurch. However, he failed to make the New Zealand Secondary Schools Team, losing out to Sam Harding, Angus McDonald and Hale T-Pole. With Sam Harding moving south to study at the University of Otago, McCaw headed to Christchurch's Lincoln University to study agricultural science and pursue his rugby interests. He achieved all but two papers for his Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree before deciding to pursue his rugby career instead.{{cite web |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/richie-mccaw-honorary-doctorate-pretty-awesome-4843480 |title=Richie McCaw: Honorary doctorate 'pretty awesome' |date=20 April 2012 |publisher=TVOne News |access-date=28 August 2012}} He received an honorary doctorate in recognition of his sporting achievements in April 2012.{{cite web |first=Ashleigh |last=Stewart |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/news/6781944/All-Blacks-captain-McCaw-receives-doctorate |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130223065626/http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/news/6781944/All-Blacks-captain-McCaw-receives-doctorate |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 February 2013 |title=All Blacks captain McCaw receives doctorate |date=20 April 2012 |work=Rugby Heaven |access-date=28 August 2012 }}

In 1999, McCaw was selected in the New Zealand under-19 squad (coached by Mark Shaw), which won the world championship in Wales. During that series, McCaw realised his All Blacks dream could be attainable. The following year he was selected in the New Zealand under-21 squad and debuted for Canterbury in the National Provincial Championship (NPC) against North Harbour.{{cite web |title=Richie McCaw: Player Profile |publisher=Canterbury Rugby Football Union |url=http://www.canterburyrugby.co.nz/profile/richie-mccaw/78/player-details.aspx |access-date=30 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526042617/http://www.canterburyrugby.co.nz/profile/richie-mccaw/78/player-details.aspx |archive-date=26 May 2010 |df=dmy-all }} On 31 March 2001, he made his Super Rugby debut with the Crusaders, playing a few minutes in a losing effort against the Hurricanes.{{cite web |title=Player Profiles: Richie McCaw |publisher=Crusaders |url=http://www.crusaders.co.nz/profile/richie-mccaw/1/player-details.aspx |access-date=30 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526172801/http://www.crusaders.co.nz/profile/richie-mccaw/1/player-details.aspx |archive-date=26 May 2010 |df=dmy-all }} That year he only played twice for the Crusaders, both times as a substitute, for a total of just eight minutes playing time.{{cite news |title=All Blacks: Ruling game from sun-up to breakdown |author=Wynne Gray |date=17 July 2009 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10584933}} He did however play a full season with NPC champions Canterbury and captained the New Zealand Under 21s.{{cite news |title=McCaw unfazed by Kronfeld criticism |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |date=9 November 2001 |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=227478}}{{cite news |title=Colts players tipped for greater things |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |date=2 July 2001 |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=197846}}

Although the then 20-year-old McCaw had only played seventeen matches for Canterbury, John Mitchell, the new All Black coach, selected him for the 2001 end of year tour to Ireland, Scotland and Argentina. This led Josh Kronfeld, a former All Black openside flanker, to criticise the selection: "You might as well just give All Black jerseys to everybody. The fact they picked guys off one NPC season is bloody incredible".{{cite news |title=Kronfeld critical of the new No 7s |date=6 November 2001 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=226794}}

McCaw's debut international test was against Ireland at Lansdowne Road on 17 November 2001. His first touch of the game resulted in a knock-on when he was hit in a tackle and New Zealand were trailing the Irish 16–7 at half-time.{{cite news |title=Lansdowne Road impresses McCaw |date=20 November 2010 |first=Julian |last=Guyer |newspaper=Times Live |location=South Africa |url=http://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/rugby/article773707.ece/Lansdowne-Road-impresses-McCaw}} In the second half the All Blacks recovered to win 40–29 and McCaw was named man of the match, receiving a standing ovation at the post-match function.{{cite news |title=Interview: Richie McCaw |first=Marc |last=Hinto |newspaper=The Guardian |date=20 June 2005 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/jun/20/lions2005.rugbyunion1 |location=London}} A turning point came in the second half when McCaw was able to steal the ball from Ireland, which led to a try to left wing Jonah Lomu.{{cite news |title=Bruised star makes big impact |date=19 November 2001 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=228959}} After the match McCaw recalled the experience: "it was a hell of a stadium to play at, a real rugby stadium, a big crowd – something I'll always remember, very special."

McCaw played all three tests on the tour, with the All Blacks beating Scotland 37–6{{cite news |title=All Blacks have to find some answers |date=23 June 2002 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=2048119}} and winning 24–20 against Argentina.{{cite news |title=All Blacks almost humbled by Pumas |date=3 December 2001 |first=Wynne |last=Gray |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=231276}} At the end of season rugby awards, McCaw was selected as both the New Zealand Rugby Football Union Under-21 and Air New Zealand NPC Division One Player of the Year.{{cite news |title=Blackadder is named our top rugby personality |date=6 December 2001 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=231792}}

In the lead-up to the 2003 World Cup McCaw was a regular player for Canterbury, the Crusaders and the All Blacks. In 2002 and 2003 the Crusaders competed in the Super Rugby final, beating the Brumbies in 2002{{cite news |title=Crusaders all-conquering champions of Super 12 |first=Wynne |last=Gray |date=25 May 2002 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=2043246}} and losing to the Blues in 2003.{{cite news |title=Blues are Super 12 champs |date=24 May 2003 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=3503806}} The Canterbury provincial rugby team lost the semi-final to the eventual winners Auckland in 2002.{{cite news |title=Auckland one step from glory |first=Wynne |last=Gray |date=19 October 2002 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=3000020}} McCaw and the other All Blacks were "rested" during the 2003 national provincial championship.{{cite news |title=Canterbury spectators as NPC climax nears |date=12 October 2003 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=3528397}}

In 2002 McCaw played for the All Blacks against the touring Ireland team (15–6 and 40–8 victories) and in the Tri Nations against Australia and South Africa. Of the six 2002 test matches McCaw played in, five were won by New Zealand with the only loss to Australia. The 14–16 loss occurred in New Zealand's third Tri Nations match and ensured the Bledisloe Cup stayed with Australia.{{cite news |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |title=Backs hog headlines but the pigs save our bacon |first=Mark |last=Ella |date=9 August 2002 |url=http://newsstore.smh.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=smh&kw=bledisloe+and+2002+and+burke&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=10years&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&do}} During the All Blacks match against South Africa in Durban a pitch invader attacked Irish referee David McHugh as a scrum was being set, dislocating his shoulder in the process.{{cite news |title=Crash tackled ref to sue Bok 'fan' |date=12 August 2002 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/08/12/1028158064422.html}} McCaw and A.J. Venter wrestled the assailant off the referee and, according to McHugh, if they had not got involved his shoulder would have been broken. McCaw was rested, along with 20 other members of the Tri Nations squad, from the 2002 end-of-year tour to Europe.{{cite news |title=Randell back as captain of new-look All Blacks |date=28 October 2002 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=3001391}}

In 2002 McCaw was voted as Newcomer of the Year by the International Rugby Players Association.[http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=PlayerProfile&playerID=1121 "player profiles – Richie McCaw"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511230921/http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=PlayerProfile&playerID=1121 |date=11 May 2013 }} allblacks.com This award is voted on by all international players, with players not allowed to vote for members of their own team.

After another successful campaign with the Crusaders in 2003 (reaching the Super 12 finals), McCaw was again selected as first choice openside flanker for the All Blacks. In June he was involved in a narrow 13–15 defeat at home to England, was a non-playing reserve in a 55–3 victory against Wales and played in a 31–23 win over France.{{cite news |title=World Cup will measure success of Mitchell's journey |date=30 September 2003 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=3526271}}

The 2003 All Blacks retained the Tri Nations title, regained the Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 1997{{cite news |title=All Blacks 'delighted' to reclaim Bledisloe Cup |date=17 August 2003 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=3518456}} and were ranked second behind England leading into the World Cup.{{cite web |url=http://www.irb.com/rankings/archive/date=2003-10-13/histranking.html |title=IRB World Rankings – 13 October 2003 |publisher=International Rugby Board |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101105083624/http://www.irb.com/rankings/archive/date%3D2003-10-13/histranking.html |archive-date=5 November 2010 |df=dmy-all }}

McCaw was selected as openside flanker for the 2003 All Blacks World Cup squad{{cite news |title=Braid's selection 'bolt out of the blue' |date=26 August 2003 |first=Alan |last=Perrott |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=3519932}} and played in every game at the tournament. New Zealand won all their pool games{{cite news |date=2 November 2003 |title=All Blacks survive Wales scare |work=BBC Sport |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/rugby_world_cup/3230081.stm}} and beat South Africa in the quarter-finals{{cite news |title=New Zealand 29–9 South Africa |date=8 November 2003 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=UK |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/nov/08/rugbyworldcup2003.rugbyunion1}} to qualify for a semi-final match-up against Australia. In an upset,{{cite news |title=Australian press savages the 'wobbly' Wallabies |date=10 November 2003 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=3533379}} the Australians defeated the All Blacks, knocking them out of the tournament.{{cite news |date=15 November 2003 |title=Australia shock New Zealand |publisher=BBC Sport |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/rugby_world_cup/3263711.stm}} At the end of the season awards McCaw received the Kel Tremain Trophy for the New Zealand Rugby Union player of the year.{{cite news |first=Harris |last=Choy |title=McCaw scoops NZ rugby player of the year award |date=26 November 2003 |work=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=3536269}}

The Crusaders finished as runner-ups in the 2004 Super 12 season, losing the final to the Brumbies.{{cite news |title=First-half blitz deja vu for Deans |date=24 May 2004 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=3568110}} Following the World Cup, John Mitchell was dropped as All Black coach{{cite news |title=New position dream come true for Henry |author=Wynne Gray |date=20 December 2003 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=3540451}} and replaced by Graham Henry. McCaw was selected as first choice openside flanker and made vice captain. In the first test against England he was escorted off the field after suffering concussion following a clash of heads with fellow All Black Xavier Rush. He was a late withdrawal from the second England test and then played 70 minutes against Argentina before again leaving the field due to dizziness.

Still suffering headaches a month later,{{cite news |title=McCaw a selection headache |author=Wynne Gray |date=14 July 2004 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=3578173}} he withdrew from the rest of the home campaign and the 2004 Tri Nations to focus on recovery.{{cite news |title=McCaw ruled out of remaining Tri-Nations tests |date=28 July 2004 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=3580866}} McCaw returned to captain Canterbury to the finals at the tail end of the NPC season.{{cite news |title=Richie McCaw's unfinished business |author=Wynne Gray |date=18 September 2004 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=3592451}} In November 2004 he returned for the All Blacks' end-of-season tour to Italy, Wales and France. He was made captain at the age of 23 for the first time against Wales as regular captain Tana Umaga was rested.{{cite news |title=McCaw explains how he will tackle captaincy |author=Wynne Gray |date=18 November 2004 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=3611340}}

In April 2005, while captaining the Crusaders,{{cite news |title=Crusaders captaincy next step up ladder for McCaw |date=18 January 2005 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10006882}} McCaw again suffered a concussion. He was stretchered off the field two minutes into the game after attempting a tackle on Bulls prop Richard Bands.{{cite news |title=Henry fretting over McCaw |author=Wynne Gray |date=11 April 2005 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10119795}} After the incident, McCaw visited a young boy in hospital who had broken his neck playing rugby and started to question whether he should be playing the game. Another paraplegic in the ward told him he had broken his neck swimming on holiday in Fiji, convincing McCaw that it could happen anywhere, and you may as well "do what you enjoy". A month later, in May 2005, McCaw returned to training with the Crusaders and led them in their semi-final and final victories.{{cite news |title=Crusaders provide fitting farewell |author=Wynne Gray |date=30 May 2005 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10128164}}

McCaw returned to international rugby in 2005, playing in the 91–0 victory over Fiji before the British and Irish Lions arrived.{{cite news |title=All Blacks scorch hapless Fiji |date=10 June 2005 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10330063}} He then played the first two test against the Lions, including a record 48–18 victory in Wellington.{{cite news |title=All Blacks secure record win over Lions |author=Paul Smith |date=2 July 2005 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10333873}} The All Blacks defeated the touring Lions 3–0 in the series. McCaw was part of the successful Tri Nations campaign (losing just one game) and Grand Slam (when victory is achieved against the four home nations) end of year tour.{{cite news |title=Black year for rugby |author=Mitch Phillips |date=30 December 2005 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10361936}} He missed the game against England after suffering his third serious head knock against Ireland.{{cite news |title=McCaw tipped to captain side if fit |author=Mark Geenty |date=22 November 2005 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10356354}} Despite his injury concerns, McCaw was shortlisted for the 2005 IRB International Player of the Year, which was won by All Black teammate Dan Carter.{{cite news |title=Carter named Player of Year, All Blacks Team of Year |date=28 November 2005 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10357401}}

File:McCaw Haka2007.jpg against France in 2006|alt=McCaw in the middle of the New Zealand haka facing a line of the French team in white]]

McCaw led the Crusaders to the Super Rugby title again in 2006.{{cite news |title=Crusaders emerge victorious in the fog |first=Daniel |last=Gilhooly |date=27 May 2006 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10383858}} In May 2006, at the age of 25 and after 36 test matches, McCaw was named captain of the All Blacks.{{cite news |title=No surprise as McCaw named All Blacks captain |date=13 May 2006 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10381646}} His first two games as regular captain were against Ireland in New Zealand, while a separate squad led by Jerry Collins was named to travel to Argentina for a one-off game.{{cite news |title=Collins gets to captain All Blacks |date=28 May 2006 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10383899}} McCaw started his captaincy with victory over Ireland{{cite news |title=Creaky All Blacks just hold out Ireland |first=Daniel |last=Gilhooly |date=10 June 2006 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10386011}}{{cite news |title=All Blacks scrape home again |first=Daniel |last=Gilhooly |date=17 June 2006 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10387076}} and then mentored stand-in captain Jerry Collins in Argentina.{{cite news |title=Selectors have no doubts about Flavell |first=Daniel |last=Gilhooly |date=18 June 2006 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10387133}} New Zealand emerged as 2006 Tri Nations champions (the only loss away to South Africa by one point) and retained the Bledisloe Cup.{{cite news |title=No stopping rampant All Blacks |first=Michael |last=Brown |date=20 August 2006 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10397107}} A successful European tour saw comfortable victories against England, France twice and Wales. McCaw was captain in every match and after being short listed in 2002, 2003 and 2005 was named the 2006 IRB International Player of the Year.{{cite news |title=New Zealand scoop hat-trick of top IRB awards |date=27 November 2006 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10412653}}

Because 2007 was a World Cup year, All Black management decided that a select group of 22 players, including McCaw, would undergo "reconditioning" by not playing in the first seven rounds of the Super 14.{{cite news |title=Rugby: Deans confronts his toughest challenge |first=Dylan |last=Cleaver |date=28 January 2007 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10421220}} McCaw returned to the Crusaders in the eighth round and helped them reach the semi-finals.{{cite news |title=Rugby: Deans not going for Wallabies job |date=18 May 2007 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10440410}} New Zealand then beat a below-strength{{cite news |title=Rugby: More a training run than a test |date=16 June 2007 |first=Wynne |last=Gray |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10446049}} France team in two tests and won a one-off test against Canada. McCaw started on the bench for the Canadian match, with Reuben Thorne returning as captain.{{cite news |title=Rugby: Thorne to captain ABs against Canada |date=13 June 2007 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10445440}} The Tri Nations was shortened because of the World Cup, with each team playing the other two teams twice (one home and one away game). Led by McCaw, New Zealand again dropped just one game (this time a five-point loss against Australia in Melbourne) retaining the Tri Nations crown and the Bledisloe cup.{{cite news |title=Rugby: Pragmatic, sensible play wins Tri-Nations, saves Bledisloe |first=Wynne |last=Gray |date=23 July 2007 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10453182}}

The 2007 World Cup was held in France, Scotland and Wales. The All Blacks were in a pool that included Italy, Portugal, Scotland and Romania. The All Blacks comfortably made it through the pool play with scores of 76–14, 108–13, 40–0 and 85–8 respectively. McCaw made just three appearances (two starts and one as a reserve) due to Henry's rotation policy. In the quarter-finals the All Blacks lost to France 18–20, resulting in New Zealand's earliest exit from a World Cup. With semi-final exits after being among the favourites at the 1991, 1999 and 2003 World Cups, they were once again accused of "choking on the world's biggest stage".{{cite news |title=Rugby: McCaw struggles to cope with World Cup exit |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |date=7 October 2007 |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10468441 |first=Julian |last=Guyer}}

An emotional McCaw could not hide his disappointment at the after-match press conference: "If I knew the answers we would have sorted it out. We will be thinking about it for a long time". McCaw denied New Zealand's easy run into the quarter-finals played a part in the loss "A lot of the guys have been through this before, they've played big test matches." Graham Henry's policy of using squad rotation and resting key players during the Super 14 was criticised.{{cite news |title=Book blames Henry for loss |first=Maria |last=Slade |date=21 October 2007 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10471137}} McCaw also came under attack. He was accused of not inspiring his team, lacking the ability to change policy when plan A was not working and not providing enough leadership on the field.{{cite news |title=All Black takers rather than givers |first=John |last=Hart |date=8 December 2007 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10480988}}

File:Richie McCaw in London, November 2008.jpg

Despite much speculation that Henry would lose the All Black coaching job to coach Robbie Deans, he was retained on a contract for the next two years,{{cite news |title=Rugby: 'I thought I'd lost my job', says Henry |first=Wynne |last=Gray |date=9 February 2008 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10491490}} later extended to include the 2011 World Cup.{{cite news |title=All Blacks: Eyes fixed on cup prize |first=Gregor |last=Paul |date=19 July 2009 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10585404}} He immediately stated that he would retain McCaw as his captain. Robbie Deans instead signed with the Australian Rugby Union, becoming head coach of Australia.{{cite news |title=Rugby: Deans shows a ton of class |first=David |last=Leggat |date=17 December 2007 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10482755}} In Deans' last season (2008) as Crusaders coach they won the Super Rugby title for the seventh time.{{cite news |title=Rugby: Crusaders send Robbie off in style |first=Daniel |last=Gilhooly |date=31 May 2008 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10513680}} Ireland and England toured to New Zealand in June 2008 and the All Blacks came away with a hard-fought win against Ireland, and two comfortable victories against England. McCaw tore a ligament in his ankle against England and missed the start of the Tri Nations.{{cite news |title=All Blacks: Win overshadowed by injury list |first=Wynne |last=Gray |date=23 June 2008 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10517788}}

Rodney So'oialo was made stand-in captain and started the Tri Nations with a win and two losses.{{cite news |title=Springboks sink All Blacks in Dunedin |first=Daniel |last=Gilhooly |date=12 July 2008 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10521242}}{{cite news |title=All Blacks: McCaw back as coaches admit deficiencies |date=29 July 2008 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10524126}} McCaw returned for the fourth game and the All Blacks won the remaining three matches to retain the Tri Nations title and Bledisloe Cup.{{cite news |title=Review: All Blacks find redemption after successful 2008 |first=Daniel |last=Gilhooly |date=18 December 2008 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10548714}} McCaw was seen as an inspiration after his return from injury,{{cite news |title=Chris Rattue: McCaw's return is the stuff of legends |first=Chris |last=Rattue |date=4 August 2008 |newspaper=New Zealalnd Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10525115}} with Henry rating his performance in the 19–0 win in South Africa (the first time the South Africans had been kept scoreless on home soil in 105 years) as his best so far for the All Blacks.{{cite news |title=All Blacks: McCaw lets ball do talking |first=Wynne |last=Gray |date=12 September 2008 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10531727}}

In 2008 a fourth Bledisloe match was played in Hong Kong with the intention of expanding the game of rugby{{cite news |title=Hong Kong to host Bledisloe Cup test |date=3 March 2008 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10495889}} and in a close 19–14 game McCaw scored the match winning try. The Grand Slam tour to the United Kingdom and Ireland resulted in victories over Scotland (32–6), Ireland (22–3), Wales (29–9) and England (32–6). During 2008 McCaw won every test he captained and a total of 26 out of 28 games he played in at all levels. The All Blacks won 13 of a record 15 tests, retained the Bledisloe Cup and Tri Nations Trophy, completed the Grand Slam and reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking from South Africa.

McCaw finished 2008 by making his debut for the Barbarians against Australia at Twickenham in an 11–18 loss.{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/australia/3543118/Richie-McCaw-welcomes-festival-end-to-season-as-Barbarians-take-on-Wallabies-at-Wembley-Rugby-Union.html |title=Richie McCaw welcomes festival end to year as Barbarians take on Wallabies at Wembley |work=The Telegraph |date=2 December 2008}}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7758526.stm |title=Barbarians 11–18 Australia |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 December 2008}}

The Crusaders, under new coach Todd Blackadder, had a slow start to the 2009 season, losing four of their first five games. They recovered to finish fourth on the table, losing the semi-final at Loftus Versfeld to the Bulls.{{cite news |title=Rugby: Steyn boots Crusaders out of Super 14 |date=24 May 2009 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10574257}} McCaw injured his knee and missed the start of the international season,{{cite news |title=Rugby: Injury puts McCaw out of All Black tests |date=29 May 2009 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10575229}} returning for the Tri Nations tournament. South Africa beat the All Blacks in every match to win the title and regain the number 1 ranking, with New Zealand beating Australia three times to finish second.{{cite news |title=All Blacks: The tour that salvaged a season |first=Wynne |last=Gray |date=4 December 2009 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10613315}} It was the first time New Zealand had not won the competition in five years and the fifth time since the Tri Nations started in 1996. A fourth Bledisloe Test against Australia was played in Japan before New Zealand toured Europe. Although New Zealand won every match on tour, an earlier loss to France and three defeats by the South Africans were the most suffered by the All Blacks in a season since McCaw joined the team in 2001. Despite the team's relatively poor season, McCaw was named the IRB International Player of the Year for a second time.

The 2010 season started in much the same way with the Crusaders finishing fourth during the round robin stage and losing to the Bulls in the semi-final.{{cite news |title=Rugby: Errors sink Crusaders against rampaging Bulls |date=23 May 2010 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10646958}} During the season McCaw played his 100th Super Rugby game in a losing effort against the Cape Town-based Stormers.{{cite news |title=Rugby: Crusaders add to New Zealand's woe |first=Wynne |last=Gray |date=3 May 2010 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10642383}} New Zealand recorded victories over the touring Ireland and Wales teams, Ireland losing their match by a record 66–28 after number eight Jamie Heaslip received a red card for kneeing McCaw in the head.{{cite news |title=All Blacks crush 14-man Ireland |first=Mark |last=Geenty |date=12 June 2010 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10651505}} The All Blacks went through the Tri Nations undefeated{{cite news |title=All Blacks finish Tri Nations undefeated |date=11 September 2010 |url=http://www.sabcnews.com/portal/site/SABCNews/menuitem.cfe7d3eef5cd31a5a707a707674daeb9/?vgnextoid=1ce399620700b210VgnVCM10000077d4ea9bRCRD&vgnextfmt=format9%20&orderListkeyId=4ae79af5d9dfe110VgnVCM10000077d4ea9bRCRD&articleId=1ce399620700b210VgnVCM10000077d4ea9bRCRD |newspaper=SABC |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628225747/http://www.sabcnews.com/portal/site/SABCNews/menuitem.cfe7d3eef5cd31a5a707a707674daeb9/?vgnextoid=1ce399620700b210VgnVCM10000077d4ea9bRCRD&vgnextfmt=format9%20&orderListkeyId=4ae79af5d9dfe110VgnVCM10000077d4ea9bRCRD&articleId=1ce399620700b210VgnVCM10000077d4ea9bRCRD |archive-date=28 June 2011 |df=dmy-all }} with the final game of the tournament against Australia marking McCaw's 52nd time captaining the All Blacks, surpassing Sean Fitzpatrick as New Zealand's most-capped test captain.{{cite news |title=Richie McCaw overtakes Sean Fitzpatrick in tonight's Bledisloe Test in Sydney as the All Blacks most-capped Test captain |first=Bret |last=Harris |newspaper=Australian |publisher=News |date=11 September 2010 |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/richie-mccaw-overtakes-sean-fitzpatrick-in-tonights-bledisloe-test-in-sydney-as-the-all-blacks-most-capped-test-captain/story-e6frg7mf-1225917680610}}

The fourth Bledisloe Cup match was again scheduled for Hong Kong and Australia ended a ten match losing streak to the All Blacks.{{cite news |title=Wallabies end 10-match losing streak |first=Chris |last=Barclay |date=31 October 2010 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10684291}} It was to be the only loss the All Blacks would suffer that season as they went on to win another Grand Slam tour, defeating England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.{{cite news |title=All Blacks: Character, composure keys to Grand Slam |first=Chris |last=Barclay |date=28 November 2010 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10690677}} In the match against Ireland McCaw, along with teammate Mils Muliaina played in their 93rd test match passing Sean Fitzpatrick to become the most capped All Blacks.{{cite news |title=Ireland v New Zealand: Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina deserve to break caps record, says Sean Fitzpatrick |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=18 November 2010 |first=Brendan |last=Gallagher |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/newzealand/8144136/Ireland-v-New-Zealand-Richie-McCaw-and-Mils-Muliaina-deserve-to-break-caps-record-says-Sean-Fitzpatrick.html |location=London}} At the end of the year McCaw was named the IRB International Player of the Year for the second successive season{{cite news |title=All Blacks: Richie McCaw named player of the year |date=2 December 2010 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10691499}}{{cite news |title=Richie McCaw wins IRB Player of the Year award for third time, All Blacks named team of the year |newspaper=Fox Sport |date=2 December 2010 |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/richie-mccaw-wins-irb-player-of-the-year-award-for-third-time-all-blacks-named-team-of-the-year/story-e6frf4pu-1225964268929}} and the New Zealand sportsperson of the year at the Halberg Awards.{{cite news |title=All Whites score Halberg hat-trick |date=10 February 2011 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/front-page-top-stories/news/article.cfm?c_id=698&objectid=10705434}}

File:Richie McCaw and the Webb Ellis cup after the Rugby World Cup final 2011.jpg after the 2011 World Cup final]]

During preseason training in January 2011 McCaw injured his foot, subsequent x-rays revealed that he had received a stress fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot.[http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/02/09/richie-mccaw-sidelined-by-stress-fracture/ "Richie McCaw sidelined by stress fracture"], The Roar It was determined his best chance of recovery was to undergo an operation where a pin was inserted. As a result, McCaw missed the opening two months of the Super Rugby season.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10757542 |work=The New Zealand Herald |title=All Blacks: It's just a niggle – McCaw – Sport – NZ Herald News |date=8 October 2011}}{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/richie-mccaw-at-no8-for-force-clash-20110428-1dxz3.html |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |title=Richie McCaw at No.8 for Force clash}} During the All Black's third Rugby World Cup pool match against France, McCaw became the first All Black to reach 100 test caps.[http://www.allblacks.com/news/17561/news/3340/Total-Rugby-Radio] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029204208/http://www.allblacks.com/news/17561/news/3340/Total-Rugby-Radio|date=29 October 2013}} However, it was also during this match McCaw re-aggravated his foot injury. In order to rest his injury, he was forced to skip the more physical aspects of training and miss the All Blacks' final pool match against Canada. Prior to the quarter-final against Argentina McCaw decided against having another x-ray.[http://www.therugbysite.com/blog_posts/128-how-i-beat-the-pain-to-play-in-the-world-cup-final-by-richie-mccaw "How I beat the pain to play in the World Cup final by Richie McCaw"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029204354/http://www.therugbysite.com/blog_posts/128-how-i-beat-the-pain-to-play-in-the-world-cup-final-by-richie-mccaw |date=29 October 2013 }}. The Rugby Site, Following the re-occurrence of his injury it was uncertain whether McCaw could continue to play for the All Blacks, this forced the coaching staff to develop contingency plans and Matt Todd was called into the All Black training squad.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/oct/12/rugby-world-cup-2011-richie-mccaw |location=London |work=The Guardian |first=Richard |last=Williams |title=Rugby World Cup 2011: Richie McCaw worry stokes All Black anxiety |date=12 October 2011}} McCaw was able to continue to play throughout the World Cup tournament and lifted the Webb Ellis trophy after a tense 8–7 victory over France. This was the lowest score in a final in World Cup history. After the final, the All Black coach Graham Henry stated "He can hardly walk and how he played today I just don't know,"{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/oct/23/rugby-world-cup-final-henry-mccaw |location=London |work=The Guardian |first=Paul |last=Rees |title=Rugby World Cup final: New Zealand's Graham Henry praises Richie McCaw |date=23 October 2011}} and he acknowledged the All Blacks probably would not have won without him.{{cite web |last=Hepburn |first=Steve |url=http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/240793/rugby-end-nigh |title=Rugby: Is the end nigh? |work=Otago Daily Times |date=29 December 2012 |access-date=8 May 2014}} Following the World Cup x-rays showed that the screw in his foot, necessary to stop the deterioration of the original injury had caused a second fracture. The fracture again, required a further operation.

After the Rugby World Cup McCaw was selected in the RWC Dream Team. This team was determined by public vote, with over 160,000 votes cast.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/news/newsid=2060457.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022084102/http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/news/newsid%3D2060457.html|url-status=dead|title=Official RWC 2015 Site – RWC 2011 Facebook Dream Team|archive-date=22 October 2013}} In addition, for the second successive year McCaw was named the New Zealand sportsperson of the year at the Halberg Awards.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/halberg-awards/news/article.cfm?c_id=1500885&objectid=10784552 |work=The New Zealand Herald |title=Halberg sweep caps All Blacks' great year – Halberg Awards – NZ Herald News |date=10 February 2012}}

Under new coach Steve Hansen, the All Blacks won 12 tests, drew one and only lost one test in 2012, as well as winning the new Rugby Championship with a 100% winning record. During this time McCaw overtook George Gregan for most times on the winning side with 94. He also recorded his 100th win against South Africa in Dunedin. McCaw was a nominee for the IRB Player of the Year award but lost out to teammate Dan Carter.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}

In the first half of 2013, in order to rest his body and improve his chances of playing in the 2015 Rugby World Cup McCaw enforced the sabbatical clause in his NZRFU contract. As a result, he only played the latter rounds of Super Rugby, and missed the 2013 French Test Series.{{cite web|url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Super-Rugby-2013-playoff-previews-Crusaders-V-Reds-Brumbies-V-Cheetahs/tabid/415/articleID/305590/Default.aspx|title=Super Rugby 2013 playoff previews, Crusaders V Reds, Brumbies V Cheetahs – Story – 3 Sport|publisher=3 News|access-date=8 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508062836/http://www.3news.co.nz/Super-Rugby-2013-playoff-previews-Crusaders-V-Reds-Brumbies-V-Cheetahs/tabid/415/articleID/305590/Default.aspx|archive-date=8 May 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} He later returned to captain the All Blacks as they successfully defended the Rugby Championship. During this campaign, McCaw equalled (with Brian O'Driscoll of Ireland and John Smit of South Africa) the record as captaining the most test matches (83). McCaw subsequently overtook this record when playing in Japan on 2 November 2013.[http://stats.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/records/player/most_matches_captain.html?id=1;type=class "Test matches – Most matches as a captain"], ESPN Scrum; accessed 21 December 2016. Following the All Blacks victory over the Springboks in Ellis Park, McCaw has played and won at every major Rugby Test stadium.{{cite web|url=http://keo.co.za/index-old.php/2013/09/mighty-mccaw-wants-a-taste-of-ellis-park|title=All Blacks captain Richie McCaw wants to experience Ellis Park – The Rugby Championship|publisher=Keo.co.za|date=29 September 2013|access-date=8 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508063657/http://keo.co.za/index-old.php/2013/09/mighty-mccaw-wants-a-taste-of-ellis-park/|archive-date=8 May 2014|df=dmy-all}}

Along with Kieran Read, McCaw led the All Blacks to a perfect season in 2013, winning 14 out of 14.{{cite web|url=http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3551_9040200,00.html|title=Perfect year for All Blacks|publisher=Planet Rugby|date=24 November 2013|access-date=8 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508062824/http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3551_9040200,00.html|archive-date=8 May 2014|df=dmy-all}}

McCaw captained New Zealand for the 100th time on 22 November 2014 in the end of year international against Wales.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/30125337 |title=Wales v New Zealand: Richie McCaw landmark, Dan Carter out|date=20 November 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=21 November 2014}} He is the first rugby union player to achieve 100 caps as captain.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/20/new-zealand-team-wales-richie-mccaw-captain-100-tests |title=New Zealand's Richie McCaw set to be first player to captain in 100 Tests|date=20 November 2014|work=The Guardian |access-date=21 November 2014}} On 15 August 2015, McCaw surpassed Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll world record, as the most capped rugby player when he won his 142nd cap against Australia in the Bledisloe Cup.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/aug/15/new-zealand-crush-australia-bledisloe-cup-decider |title=New Zealand crush Australia 41–13 in Bledisloe Cup decider|date=15 August 2015|work=The Guardian |access-date=19 August 2015}} He would go on to hold this title for five years until 31 October 2020 when Welsh captain Alun Wyn Jones got his 149th cap.

On 31 October 2015, McCaw captained New Zealand to retain the Rugby World Cup after a 34–17 win against Australia in the final at Twickenham.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/34671255|title= New Zealand beat Australia to retain Rugby World Cup|date=31 October 2015|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2 November 2015}} This match was the thirteenth Rugby World Game as captain and is the current world record for this statistic.{{cite web |title=ALL-TIME LEADING PERFORMERS |url=https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/about/records |publisher=Rugby World Cup Limited |access-date=20 August 2023}} During the tournament he received a yellow card for foottripping in the opening game against Argentina.{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/.../Richie-McCaw-accepts-responsibility-for-dumb-yello|title=Richie-McCaw-accepts-responsibility-for-dumb-yello|date=31 October 2015|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2 November 2015}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} On 19 November 2015, McCaw announced his retirement from rugby.{{Cite news|title=All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw retires - 'The last thing I wanted to do was limp to the end'|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11547916|newspaper=New Zealand Herald |date=19 November 2015|access-date=21 December 2016|issn=1170-0777}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/34864317|title=Richie McCaw: All Blacks captain retires from rugby|work=BBC Sport|access-date=19 November 2015}}

File:McCaw Haka2007.jpg' against France]]

Despite McCaw often being captain in tests, he generally turned down the role of haka leader (kaea). He only served as the kaea in 11 tests, only when the All Blacks performed 'Ka Mate'.{{cite web |title='Richie would always look at me like 'nah, nah, nah' when asked to lead AB haka: Piri Weepu |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/91864246/richie-would-always-look-at-me-like-nah-nah-nah-when-asked-to-lead-ab-haka-piri-weepu |publisher=Stuff |access-date=10 July 2023}}

McCaw predominately played at openside flanker, although he has played in the other "loose forward" positions of blindside flanker and number eight for the Crusaders.{{cite press release|title=It is different at the ruck, but McCaw will stay put|first=James|last=Mortimer|date=17 April 2010|access-date=14 March 2013|publisher=All Blacks|url=http://www.allblacks.com/news/12721/It-is-different-at-the-ruck-but-McCaw-will-stay-put|archive-date=22 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222020349/http://www.allblacks.com/news/12721/It-is-different-at-the-ruck-but-McCaw-will-stay-put|url-status=dead}} The openside flanker binds to the side of the scrum farthest from the touch-line and is usually one of the first players to reach a breakdown. In 2008, McCaw told the IRB:

"My main role as a flanker is, defensively, to tie in with the back line to ensure that the defence works well. On attack I think my primary role at first phase is to look after our ball. You attack the back line and I'm usually the first person there to make sure we secure that ball. Thirdly I put pressure on break downs and make sure I disturb their ball and try to turn their ball over."{{cite web|title=Back & McCaw: Open side master class|date=21 November 2008|work=Total Rugby Radio|publisher=International Rugby Board|url=http://www.irb.com/home/totalrugbyradio/newsid=2027651.html|access-date=21 April 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422232042/http://www.irb.com/home/totalrugbyradio/newsid%3D2027651.html|archive-date=22 April 2014|df=dmy-all}}

McCaw has been described as the best openside flanker of all time.{{cite news|first1=Gregor|last1=Paul|first2=Paul|last2=Lewis|title=McCaw vs Carter|date=15 August 2010|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10666158&ref=emailfriend}}{{cite news|title=Richie McCaw deserves gong as rugby union's No.1 player|first=Jim|last=Tucker|newspaper=Courier-Mail |date=24 December 2009 |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/rugby-union/richie-mccaw-deserves-gong-as-rugby-unions-no1-player/story-e6frepm6-1225813288362}} He has been awarded the IRB Player of the Year a record three times and has been nominated on eight occasions. When he received the IRB Player of The Year award for the third time former Australian lock and award chairperson John Eales described him as "an outstanding captain, a world class player and a role model for our sport".{{cite web|title=New Zealand honoured by trio of IRB Awards|date=1 December 2010|publisher=International Rugby Board|url=http://www.irb.com/history/awards/newsid=2041119.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203213556/http://www.irb.com/history/awards/newsid%3D2041119.html|archive-date=3 December 2010|df=dmy-all}} Along with Dan Carter, he is seen as one of the most influential members of the All Blacks.{{cite web|first=Iain|last=Payten|title=In awe of McCaw|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=9 September 2008|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/in-awe-of-mccaw/story-e6freyar-1111117426886}} McCaw considers his ability to anticipate play as one of his most important skills.

Australian openside David Pocock, who was also shortlisted for the IRB award, admires the way he reads the game as well as his ability to read the referee.{{cite news|title='Good on him': Pocock applauds McCaw's smarts in pushing laws to limit|first=Rupert|last=Guinness|date=8 September 2010|work=The Sydney Morning Herald |url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/good-on-him-pocock-applauds-mccaws-smarts-in-pushing-laws-to-limit-20100907-14zmw.html}} One of McCaw's strengths is his ability to re-invent himself.{{cite web|author=Taine Randell|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/5619690/Richie-McCaw-is-still-worlds-best-flanker|title=Richie McCaw is still world's best flanker|publisher=Stuff |date=14 September 2011|access-date=8 May 2014}} For example, he adapted quickly to changes in the breakdown laws{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/3648002/All-Blacks-unfazed-by-ELVs|title=All Blacks unfazed by ELVs|work=Sky Sports}} (e.g., the 2008 the Experimental Law Variations (ELVS) and the 2010 New IRB Law Interpretations){{cite web|url=http://www.scrrs.net/articles/new-irb-law-interpretations-2010|title=New IRB Law Interpretations 2010 | Southern California Rugby Referees Society|access-date=8 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109031514/http://www.scrrs.net/articles/new-irb-law-interpretations-2010/|archive-date=9 January 2014|df=dmy-all}} and, over time, other areas of his game.{{cite web|url=http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/10/18/is-richie-mccaw-the-greatest-rugby-player-ever|title=Richie McCaw, best rugby player of all time|publisher=The Roar|date=18 October 2012|access-date=8 May 2014}}

Not all agree with McCaw's playing style and many believe that he pushes the boundaries of legality. He has been labelled a "cheat" by both former South Africa coach Peter de Villiers{{cite web|title=Springboks angered by referee|work=ESPN Scrum|date=18 July 2010|url=http://www.espnscrum.com/trinations2010/rugby/story/119654.html}} and former Australian coach Bob Dwyer.{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10543407|work=The New Zealand Herald |title=Dwyer labels McCaw a cheat |date=17 November 2008}} Longtime Springboks lock Victor Matfield said in 2010 that the referees let "him get away with murder" at the breakdown.{{cite web|title=NZ getting away with murder|date=18 July 2010|first=Adnaan|last=Mohamed|work=Sport24|url=http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/TriNations/NZ-getting-away-with-murder-20100718}} Shortly after the 2011 Rugby World Cup final, veteran France back-rower Imanol Harinordoquy criticised McCaw saying that "he played the whole match in our [Frances] camp."{{cite news|url=http://www.espnscrum.com/france/rugby/story/153440.html|title=Harinordoquy admits to French uprising|work=ESPN Scrum|date=31 October 2011|access-date=7 October 2012}} Former Australian coach Eddie Jones and flanker Phil Waugh say he does no more than any other good openside, but his skill at judging how the referee will interpret the breakdown is the main reason for his success.{{cite web|title=Picture proof Richie McCaw's a serial offender|first=Jon|last=Gedde|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=20 August 2009|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby/picture-proof-richie-mccaws-a-serial-offender/story-e6frey4i-1225763969697}}{{cite news|title=Does this man get away with murder|first=Josh|last=Rakic|date=25 July 2010|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/does-this-man-get-away-with-murder-20100724-10phy.html}} McCaw admits that he tests the referee early "to know what you can get away with"{{cite web|title=McCaw – genius or cheat|first=Iain|last=Payten|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=28 July 2010|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby/mccaw-genius-or-cheat/story-e6frey4i-1225897709828}} and that only an "idiot" would not adapt to their rulings.{{cite web|title=McCaw: Only idiots don't adapt|date=18 August 2010|first=Brenden|last=Nel|work=Sport24|url=http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/TriNations/McCaw-Only-idiots-dont-adapt-20100818}}

Teammate Aaron Mauger,{{cite news|title=Mauger slams 'cheap shots' on McCaw |first=Mark|last=Geenty|date=24 June 2007|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/tri-nations/news/article.cfm?c_id=351&objectid=10447617}} along with many New Zealand fans, have suggested that McCaw's influence and playing style has made him a target for illegitimate play.{{cite web|title=McCaw ready for rough stuff|first1=Jim|last1=Morton|first2=John|last2=Salvado|date=28 June 2007|work=Fox Sports|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/tri-nations/mccaw-ready-for-rough-stuff/story-e6frf4qc-1111113847260}} International players Phil Waugh,{{cite news|title=Hansen makes a bold call: McCaw is better than Jones|first=Wynne|last=Gray|work=The New Zealand Herald |date=9 June 2008|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10515157}} Jamie Heaslip,{{cite news|title=Red card for Heaslip gives All Blacks the green light|first=Phil|last=Cadden|date=13 June 2010|work=Independent|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/red-card-for-heaslip-gives-all-blacks-the-green-light-1999088.html|location=London, UK|access-date=3 December 2017|archive-date=10 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110021017/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/red-card-for-heaslip-gives-all-blacks-the-green-light-1999088.html|url-status=dead}} Marcus Horan, Lote Tuqiri,{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/australia/2343849/Tuqiri-given-11-week-ban-for-tackle.html|location=London, UK|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Austin|last=Peters|title=Tuqiri given 11-week ban for tackle|date=21 August 2006}} Andy Powell,{{cite web|title=All Blacks clinch Grand Slam|date=27 November 2010|work=ESPN Scrum|url=http://www.espnscrum.com/new-zealand-tour-2010/rugby/story/130090.html}} Dylan Hartley,{{cite news|title=McCaw slams 'inconsistency': Skipper insists All Blacks have to be 'squeaky clean' on tour|date=10 November 2010|newspaper=Sky Sport|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,12336_6498069,00+en-USS_01DBC.html}} Quade Cooper,{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/time-to-target-quade-coopers-cheap-shots-20110911-1k3rb.html|work=The Sydney Morning Herald |title=Time to target Quade Cooper's cheap shots}}{{cite news|title=The good, the bad and … Munster|date=28 November 2010 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/the-good-the-bad-and--munster-20101127-18blk.html}} Dean Greyling,{{Cite web | url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1693137/South-Africas-Greyling-banned-for-forearm-smash-on | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615082211/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1693137/South-Africas-Greyling-banned-for-forearm-smash-on | url-status=dead | archive-date=2013-06-15 | title=South Africa's Greyling banned for forearm smash on McCaw | SBS World…}} Kevin McLaughlin{{cite web|url=http://www.3news.co.nz/VIDEO-Was-Richie-McCaw-repeatedly-eye-gouged-by-the-Irish/tabid/415/articleID/258752/Default.aspx|title=VIDEO: Was Richie McCaw repeatedly eye gouged by the Irish?|publisher=3 News|access-date=8 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422232254/http://www.3news.co.nz/VIDEO-Was-Richie-McCaw-repeatedly-eye-gouged-by-the-Irish/tabid/415/articleID/258752/Default.aspx|archive-date=22 April 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} and Scott Higginbotham{{cite web|author=Chris Barclay|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/7848774/Scott-Higginbotham-receives-two-game-ban|title=Scott Higginbotham receives two-game ban|publisher=Stuff |date=22 October 2012|access-date=8 May 2014}} have been accused of making "cheap shots" on McCaw. He has even been on the receiving end from his All Black teammates when playing for the Crusaders, with Neemia Tialata, Jerry Collins and Ali Williams becoming frustrated with his play.{{cite news|title=Don't stamp on All Black skipper Richie|first=Chris|last=Foley|date=24 August 2007|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rwc-players/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501244&objectid=10459484}} According to McCaw "what happens on the field stays on the field" and if he gets extra attention it is because he "must be doing something right".{{cite news|title=All Blacks: McCaw – No grudges over Heaslip|last=Cleaver|first=Dylan|date=18 November 2010|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=10688304}}

In 2012, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans and selectors wagered the potential returns in finishing games with two openside flankers on the field as a way to counter McCaw.{{cite news|last=Cully|first=Paul|title=Wallabies Bledisloe mission: to show McCaw his powers have been bettered|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/wallabies-bledisloe-mission-to-show-mccaw-his-powers-have-been-bettered-20120809-23wzk.html|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=11 August 2012}} In September 2012 after the All Blacks v South African Test in Dunedin, then South African coach Heyneke Meyer said that McCaw was the greatest rugby player the world has ever seen..Sky Sports NZ Interview with coach post match. Following the All Blacks win over Wallabies to claim their 3rd World Cup, All Blacks Coach Steve Hansen praised McCaw's and Dan Carter's career efforts, distinguishing McCaw from Carter:

“Richie is the best All Black we have ever had and Dan is a close second,” said Hansen. “The only thing that separates them is Richie has played 148 matches at flanker, which is unheard of - you put your body on the line every time you go there. The challenge for the other guys now is to try and become as great as him and Dan.”{{cite news|title='Richie McCaw is the best All Black ever' says New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen|first=Steve|last=James|date=31 October 2015|newspaper=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/rugby-world-cup/11968096/Richie-McCaw-is-the-best-All-Black-ever-says-New-Zealand-head-coach-Steve-Hansen.html}}

In January 2013 it was reported that he had been seeing hockey player Gemma Flynn for the past six months.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10860837 |title=Captain Richie dating young Black Sticks star |date=23 January 2013 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=20 March 2014}} McCaw announced his engagement to Flynn in January 2016.{{cite news |title= Former All Black captain Richie McCaw engaged to Gemma Flynn |url= http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/75836350/richie-mccaw-engaged-to-gemma-flynn | work=The Press | page=A2 |publisher= Fairfax New Zealand |date= 12 January 2015 |access-date= 12 January 2015}} They married on 14 January 2017.{{cite news |last1=van Beynen |first1=Martin |title=Richie McCaw's and Gemma Flynn's big day arrives |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/88415527/richie-mccaws-and-gemma-flynns-big-day-arrives |access-date=14 January 2017 |work=Stuff.co.nz |date=14 January 2017}} Their daughter was born in December 2018{{cite news|title=Richie and Gemma McCaw announce birth of baby Charlotte: 'Our hearts are so full'|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/109291160/richie-and-mccaw-announce-birth-of-charlotte-mccaw-our-hearts-are-so-full|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=13 December 2018}} and a second daughter in May 2021.{{cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/richie-and-gemma-mccaw-welcome-baby-number-two/57LA46BYJV7UWZFN3RVU5SMCTQ/|title=Richie and Gemma McCaw welcome baby number two|newspaper=New Zealand Herald |date=3 June 2021}} Their third daughter Ella Mae was born in April 2023.{{cite web | url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CqwxtoXSjQT/ | title=Gemma McCaw on Instagram: "Meet our new baby girl, Ella Mae McCaw 🤍 she was born on 3.4.23 weighing 7lb 10 oz and we are enjoying these precious moments as a family of 5 😍" }} In December 2024, McCaw's family said they were soon to move to Wānaka after 10 years living in Christchurch.{{Cite news |title=Richie and Gemma McCaw are leaving Christchurch after 10 years |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360524102/richie-and-gemma-mccaw-are-moving-wanaka |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=www.stuff.co.nz}}

His other sporting passion is flying and he was made an honorary Squadron Leader in the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 2010{{cite news |title=New high-flying role for McCaw |date=12 March 2010 |newspaper=TVNZ |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-news/new-high-flying-role-mccaw-3412955 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614103906/http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-news/new-high-flying-role-mccaw-3412955 |archive-date=14 June 2011 |df=dmy-all }} and was promoted to honorary Wing Commander in September 2016.{{cite news |title=Richie McCaw promoted to Wing Commander in Royal New Zealand Air Force |date=29 September 2016 |newspaper=Stuff |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/84811623/Richie-McCaw-promoted-to-Wing-Commander-in-Royal-New-Zealand-Air-Force}}

McCaw was taught to fly gliders by his grandfather J H 'Jim' McCaw who flew more than 300 missions in the Second World War.{{cite news |newspaper=The Times |date=28 November 2009 |title=Richie McCaw combines substance with style |first=Mark |last=Souster |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_union/article5248244.ece |location=London}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} In 2009 he convinced the head of the Discovery network in Australia and New Zealand to do a show about gliding.{{cite news |title=Richie McCaw's other passion – gliding |first=Scott |last=Kara |date=25 October 2009 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10605675}} They filmed McCaw gliding at Omarama on the extreme sports series Sportstar Insider, which was hosted by Australian former rugby league footballer Andrew Ettingshausen. After the 2010 Canterbury earthquake he auctioned a personal flying lesson through Trade Me to raise money for the badly damaged Hororata St Johns Church.{{cite web |url=http://nzaviation.com/magazine/2010/11/high-flying-all-blacks-captain-auctions-flight/ |title=High flying All Blacks Captain auctions flight |date=2 November 2010 |work=NZ Aviation Magazine |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209083447/http://nzaviation.com/magazine/2010/11/high-flying-all-blacks-captain-auctions-flight/ |archive-date=9 December 2010 |df=dmy-all }} He is also raising money for a young Samoan who broke his neck playing rugby and whose village was destroyed in the 2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami.{{cite news |title=Richie McCaw's campaign for a young Samoan rugby star |date=12 August 2010 |newspaper=3 News |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Richie-McCaws-campaign-for-a-young-Samoan-rugby-star/tabid/817/articleID/170418/Default.aspx |access-date=8 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029202305/http://www.3news.co.nz/Richie-McCaws-campaign-for-a-young-Samoan-rugby-star/tabid/817/articleID/170418/Default.aspx |archive-date=29 October 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} It was revealed at his retirement announcement in 2015 that McCaw would work at Christchurch Helicopters, where he is a Director and Shareholder, and was obtaining a commercial helicopter licence.{{cite web|title = McCaw aims for sky post-rugby|url = http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/74211136/richie-mccaw-aims-for-the-sky-in-postrugby-career|website =Stuff | date=19 November 2015 |access-date = 2015-11-19}} McCaw has since obtained said licence and has continued working as a helicopter pilot. He flew several rescue and reconnaissance missions following the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake that struck the South Island.{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11747666 |title=All Blacks great Richie McCaw joins deadly earthquake rescue efforts |first=Kurt |last=Bayer |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |date=14 November 2016 |access-date=15 November 2016}} He also performed milk drops around rural areas of New Zealand while having an endorsement with Fonterra, in which his sister and her husband are dairy farmers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fonterra.com/nz/en/what-we-stand-for/fonterra-milk-for-schools/richies-milk-run/find-out-more.html|title=Find Out More|website=www.fonterra.com|language=en|access-date=2018-05-09}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

In 2010, McCaw and Dan Carter were on a NZ$750,000 a year contract that saw them through to the end of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, making them the highest paid rugby players in New Zealand at the time. This contract would still have applied if they had not been selected for the World Cup squad.{{cite news |title=Rodney So'oialo, Ali Williams on a roll |first=Greg |last=Ford |newspaper=Star Times |date=14 November 2010 |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/4343395/Rodney-So-oialo-Ali-Williams-on-a-roll }}

In 2019, World Rugby inducted McCaw to its Hall of Fame, alongside Shiggy Konno, Os du Randt, Peter Fatialofa, Graham Henry, and Diego Ormaechea.{{Cite web|url=https://www.elobservador.com.uy/nota/historico-diego-ormaechea-es-el-primer-uruguayo-en-el-salon-de-la-fama-del-rugby-2019913103029|title=Histórico: Diego Ormaechea es el primer uruguayo en el Salón de la Fama del rugby|first=El|last=Observador|website=El Observador}}

File:Richie McCaw ONZ investiture.jpg by the governor-general, Sir Jerry Mateparae, at Government House, Wellington, in April 2016]]

In December 2011, then Prime Minister John Key revealed that he had asked McCaw about the possibility of a knighthood in the 2012 New Year Honours, but that McCaw had turned it down. According to Key, "He made the call that he's still in his playing career and it didn't feel quite right for him, that day where he's no longer on the pitch may be the right time for him." No formal offer was ultimately made.{{cite news |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/all-blacks/mccaw-turns-down-knighthood-4647230 |title=McCaw turns down knighthood |publisher=TVNZ |date=16 December 2011 |access-date=8 March 2012}} McCaw was appointed a member of New Zealand's highest honour, the Order of New Zealand, in the 2016 New Year Honours. The honour surpassed the knighthood he had previously turned down prior to his retirement because only 20 living New Zealanders can gain membership at any one time.{{cite news|title=Richie McCaw surpasses knighthood, appointed NZ's top honour|url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/richie-mccaw-surpasses-knighthood-appointed-nzs-top-honour|access-date=30 December 2015|work=TVNZ|date=30 December 2015}}{{cite web|title = McCaw joins exclusive club in honours list|url = http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/mccaw-joins-exclusive-club-in-honours-list/|website = www.newstalkzb.co.nz|access-date = 2015-12-31}} McCaw represented the Order in the Royal Procession at the 2023 Coronation.{{cite news |title=Coronation order of service in full |work=BBC News |date=5 May 2023 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-65503950 |access-date=6 May 2023}}

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{{Commons category|Richie McCaw}}

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{{s-ttl|title = IRB World Cup
winning captain | years = 2011, 2015}}

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