Rugby: Remarkable career started with fumble

Richie McCaw has delivered handsomely on a teenage promise he made to a rugby-mad uncle. Photo / Greg Bowker

After early knock-on, Man of the Match award was a sign of things to come.

A black scrum cap framed his fresh face and his jersey looked a touch baggy as Richie McCaw made his test debut at Lansdowne Rd, almost 14 years ago.

He knocked on when he was clobbered in his first carry and up in the stands, new All Blacks coach John Mitchell wondered whether he had picked the 20-year-old too early.

The All Blacks were under the pump for long stretches before a late flurry pushed them to a 40-29 victory with the rookie McCaw winning a unanimous verdict as man of the match.

Radio Sport's Martin Devlin with All Blacks fullback Ben Smith.

Radio Sport's Martin Devlin talks to former All Blacks skipper Todd Blackadder.

"We will be seeing a lot more of this young guy in the future," Mitchell suggested.

After the game, the teams went to a formal dinner laden with rugby luminaries where McCaw, Aaron Mauger and Dave Hewitt were awarded their first test caps.

When McCaw was called to receive his, former Lions great Syd Millar clambered to his feet and began clapping. The Irish captain, Keith Wood, followed before the whole room rose to applaud the All Blacks flanker.

"That was an amazing introduction to test rugby," McCaw said in his autobiography.

Since then McCaw has continued to bless the All Blacks, astound the rugby world and infuriate opponents in a career which reaches a world record 142 caps tonight at Eden Park.

It's remarkable in every sense of the word - that someone playing a role where he is targeted by every opponent and referee, where he's had to alter his style a number of times to conform to rule changes, is still such a distinguished flanker in the game.

"He is phenomenal and it's extraordinary the level of consistency that Richie produces," said Reuben Thorne, who played alongside him on debut. "He was highly involved in that game and I remember in particular, one high ball he took with complete confidence. It was typical of him he got the man of the match."

A young Richard McCaw playing for the All Blacks in July 2002. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Thorne remembers McCaw turning up at Crusaders training that year and making a nuisance of himself before they played in tandem in a trial game against the Waratahs.

"He flew off a defensive lineout at one stage and nailed this guy running down the inside channel and I remember thinking this guy has got something about him. It's not often guys would make that sort of impact on me but Richie did this time.

"He only got a few minutes in Super rugby but played a full provincial campaign and when he scored three tries against Otago at Carisbrook, everyone started to take notice. Next he was on tour and playing the house down."

When he leads the All Blacks out tonight McCaw will be captaining his men for the 105th time as they look to retain the Bledisloe Cup in their final hit-out before the World Cup.

McCaw has delivered many times over on an awkward teenage promise he made to a rugby-mad uncle when he inked on a restaurant napkin that he'd make the All Blacks by 2004 and be a G.A.B. - a great All Black. He hid the note in his bedroom cupboard at the family's Hakataramea farm and went about his business until Mitchell cemented the promise.

All Black No 354: Richie McCaw; test debut November 17, 2001.

Mitchell rated McCaw's technique, high fitness levels and ability to adjust to all types of game.

"There are many aspects of his game that separate him from the rest, starting with his physical capacity. His decision-making on defence at the front and back end of the breakdown is superb," Mitchell told SA Rugby magazine.

Richard McCaw congratulates Caleb Ralph with Mark Robinson during a test against Ireland in 2002. Photo / Brett Phibbs

"He gets on the potential wrong side of the law by getting there early and keeping his feet for as long as possible. He also gets his body in the perfect position before the ruck is formed. He has evolved his breakdown work as the law interpretations have changed, and learned to put up with taking physical hits off the ball as well as the pressure put on him by opposition coaches and the media, who have suggested he cheats at the breakdown."

McCaw offered a lineout option, had improved his handling and ball protection while his mental tenacity allowed him to stay calm even under tremendous stress. He was totally professional with his balance between rugby and time away from the game.

"He has mental toughness that allows him to dig deep when the momentum is against his team, and his calmness in preparation and performance is transferred to his team-mates.

"McCaw knows he will be at the ball from the first phase in attack and defence, and this is something he thrives on. He loves every contest, never gets frustrated and communicates effectively during the game.

"He is a genuinely good bloke who is very gifted in many aspects. He has maximised his talent and fulfilled his dream of not just becoming an All Black but a great All Black. The next moment defines you and nothing else matters."