All Blacks: Today's stars shone bright at an early stage

McCaw congratulates Muliaina after winning the test match between the All Blacks and Wales. Photo / Getty Images

John Mitchell, the controversial former All Blacks coach, introduced Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina to international rugby. On Sunday, they will break Sean Fitzpatrick's 92-test record.

A few weeks before his surprise international promotion, John Mitchell recalls scouring the national provincial championship in 2001, looking for players he thought might come in handy for the Chiefs.

"I was watching a match where Richie [McCaw] scored three tries before halftime as Canterbury belted Otago," he said. "His support play, presence and decision-making at the breakdown were all exceptional.

"I hadn't been long back in New Zealand and thought this was great. At that stage the All Blacks needed a specialist opensider. They had some experience there with Marty Holah, but this McCaw was a bigger, rangier and younger athlete."

Mitchell and his new All Black assistant, Robbie Deans, chose both flankers for the five-match end-of-year trip but elevated the rookie McCaw for the tests against Ireland, Scotland and Argentina.

"I remember watching very intensely at Lansdowne Rd because it was also my first test in charge of the All Blacks," recalled Mitchell.

"It was Richie's first hit in contact and he was hammered well and truly and lost the ball. It was a serious introduction to test rugby, but he held his composure and responded well. I think he got the player-of-the-day award in the end.

"I also remember saying to Robbie at halftime that we had a lot of work to do with the team, mentally. They were looking like stunned mullets and there seemed to be a lack of belief in the side. We knew we had to reorganise that and develop some more leadership. We had to start playing as a team rather than a collection of individuals."

Mitchell was aware of Holah's work with Waikato and the Chiefs, and liked what he could offer the team.

"He was very good on the ground and was able to steal a lot of ball; he was extremely reliable and a very good team man.

"But Richie had that something else about him. Sometimes that is hard to define, but you get a feel for certain footballers and what they can do and Richie was certainly one of those. Selecting is a part of the game I love and he stood out for me."

Was Mitchell surprised at McCaw's success and longevity in such a demanding role?

"Not really. He had an outstanding aerobic base, he showed he had the ability to adjust and adapt to the different patterns in matches - he had an exceptional game sense.

"Since then he has obviously developed as a leader and learned from guys like Reuben Thorne and Tana [Umaga] and been able to work out his own style. He accepts accountability and responsibility, he has a great knowledge of the game and its laws."

This season, Mitchell wondered how well McCaw would survive another Super 14 campaign.

"But I think the change to the ruck laws have given him a new lease of life. It has been a breath of fresh air for him and has allowed him to contribute elsewhere.

"At the time he pulled on the All Black jersey for the first time, I thought he would be a special All Black and he's proved that."

Two years later, as Mitchell and Deans embarked on their 2003 World Cup season, they were looking for another fullback. Christian Cullen had been an outstanding player, but Mitchell felt he was struggling with a knee injury while Leon MacDonald was also dealing with the effects of several concussions.

"We were looking for more than just a fullback," Mitchell said. "We wanted someone who was a strong passer, a runner as well and a really strong defender. Leon was there, but had his injuries and same with Cully so we settled on Mils [Muliaina].

"He was very good at finishing moves, he had extremely good acceleration and a presence in the air. He grew in confidence with his selection and evolved and prospered as a fullback.

"He was a great team man and has continued to be very good with that.

"He is a fine leader; he is a very genuine, down-to-earth and honest person.

"Mils is not afraid to deliver some bad news at team meetings if he feels it is going to improve the team. He is someone who has always set high standards and has a great belief in what he can achieve. He is the type who leads by his actions.

"When he first came into the squad he was a shy young man who wanted to play well. He respected being an All Black, he understood what his predecessors said and did, and he has grown into an All Black and great team man," Mitchell said.

"He wants to inspire young men the same way he learned. He is very genuine about that."