All Blacks: McCaw mobbed by fans in South Africa

Richie McCaw has already made a lasting impression in South Africa. Photo / Getty Images.

Richie McCaw has already made a lasting impression in South Africa.

The All Blacks captain is the inspiration behind The Lord Richie McCaw Fan Club - a group of loyal and devoted South African's who, most years, travel thousands of kilometres to see and support their icon.

Based in Port Elizabeth, the group of seven men this week drove for over 10 hours to Johannesburg to see McCaw at yesterday's All Blacks captain's run.

"They're a hard case, they come most years," McCaw said.

"They get in the car and drive all the way up here, pretty phenomenal really. In terms of passion they are right at the top. It's great that you can have an impact and put a smile on their face. I've just seen them before and will no doubt get another photo with them on the way out."

It was an interesting morning for McCaw and the All Blacks, which started with four players serving coffee to punters in a local mall before the team held their captain's run at St David's School.

"We've had a pretty good week," McCaw said. "Compared to the last couple of years where we arrived on the Monday, having an extra day has helped. The new fellas in the lineup are incredibly excited and that rubs off on everyone.

"I'm just excited to line up here again in a test match at Ellis Park. It's one of the ultimate places to play and the excitement of being able to do that is what I'm all about. If I don't get to play here again then hopefully I have a good memory of this one."

McCaw said the key to winning tomorrow morning is to get South African flanker Heinrich Brüssow out of the breakdown.

"The guys that have the best opportunity are the ones that aren't necessarily making the tackles or the first guy in, so when you see him he's got to be removed before he gets the chance to get in there and get on the ball."

Meanwhile a bad weather forecast has hit Johannesburg a little under 24 hours before the game with showers expected tomorrow.