Daily Telegraph names Richie McCaw the most powerful figure in rugby

Richie McCaw salutes All Blacks fans after winning the Bledisloe Cup. Photo / Getty Images

Really? Richie McCaw has been named the most powerful figure in world rugby in a list compiled by Britain's's Daily Telegraph.

While McCaw has received plenty of accolades, and there are no doubt more to come, this might be the oddest.

The great All Black flanker heads a list where Irish legend Brian O'Driscoll, England's World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson, another England World Cup hero Martin Johnson, Wallaby wonder John Eales, Welsh coach Warren Gatland, Aussie halfback Nick Farr-Jones, our very own Steve Hansen, another England World Cup hero Clive Woodward and 1995 Springboks World Cup icon Francois Pienaar round out the top ten of a 50-strong list.

As great as McCaw is, he is hardly the most powerful figure in world rugby. But that is not nearly as mysterious as how Welsh coach Gatland finishes above All Blacks coach Hansen.

The tribute to McCaw is nice though.

He is "arguably the greatest All Black of all time...boasting a remarkable win ratio of over 90% during the 105 games he has captained the All Blacks. The son of a farmer, McCaw's captaincy style has always been founded on leading from the front and he has remained true to the All Black values despite his celebrity status. Even in the twilight of his career, the flanker's relentless work-rate, courage and skill make him an absolutely critical cog in the All Black machine going into the 2015 tournament."