From Buck to Richie: A history of violence at the Rugby World Cup

Wayne 'Buck' Shelford in his playing days. Photo / Supplied

The fuss over the Richie McCaw 'elbow' and viewing of an infamous 1987 World Cup clip featuring another All Blacks captain reveals how much the game has moved on.

A small (if slightly ludicrous) campaign was launched this week to get McCaw banned for the final for an alleged 'elbow' to Francois Louw in the semi-final win over South Africa.

While some New Zealand fans might accept there are some laws the inspirational flanker bends and breaks that should see him carded, going in with flying elbows is not McCaw's style.

Analysis confirmed it was a hip, rather than an elbow, and the man was cleared for what could possibly be his swansong.

Back in 1987, when the All Blacks also made the World Cup final, another back rower and a future test captain had also been involved in an incident that could have seen him miss the final. Legendary No. 8 Buck Shelford knocked out Welsh lock Huw Richards with a blindside punch.

There was no doubt at all about his guilt.

Shelford, who would take over as All Blacks captain the following year, had struck out in retaliation for the Welshman first lashing out at teammate Gary Whetton. Nowadays the incident probably would have seen about four red cards, 34 TMO replays, a hefty few post match bans and a moral crusade to 'ban this sick filth' from our televisions.

Except, well, this was 1987 and things were a bit different then. Watch the video and see for yourself.

The result was a red card for Richards and a penalty to the All Blacks!

The Welshman was subsequently given a one week ban and forced to miss the third place playoff against Australia (unlike today, no concussion test would have prevented him playing if he hadn't been banned).

Shelford, meanwhile, played in the final against France and was key in a 29-6 win over France.

24 years is a long time in sport.