Richie McCaw. Photo / Getty Images
What more can you say about the man who has created more column inches than any other New Zealand athlete since making his debut in 2001?
The 2007 quarter-final in Cardiff remains the great stain on his career. Still a relatively inexperienced captain, the blame for the Millennium Stadium debacle
did not bypass McCaw as it was felt, with some justification, that the All Blacks persevered with flawed tactics when it seemed obvious that Plan B needed to be dusted off.
However, the intervening four years have thrown up close to every scenario he can expect to face during the tournament.
As for his playing skills, if they are starting to diminish with time, it is imperceptible. The role of the openside flanker has changed but McCaw remains the standard-bearer for the position.
Whether it is fetching, tackling, ball-carrying or playing the referee to the line, McCaw's appetite for hard work is unstinting. He might occasionally be bettered by comers like Australia's David Pocock and the Springboks' Heinrich Brussow, but never twice in a row.
