New Zealand's flanker and captain Richie McCaw carries the Webb Ellis Cup as he arrives to attend a press conference at the team's base in Bagshot, west of London, on November 1, 2015, the day after t
New Zealand's flanker and captain Richie McCaw carries the Webb Ellis Cup as he arrives to attend a press conference at the team's base in Bagshot, west of London, on November 1, 2015, the day after t
The sight of Richie McCaw slumped in the changing sheds, a winner's medal dangling around his neck, is one of the enduring images of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
He had dragged the All Blacks over the finish line with a broken foot, but was more exhausted by the emotionaltoll of carrying the hopes of a nation starved of success.
Coach Graham Henry took one look at him and thought McCaw should be on a drip inside a hospital.
Four years later, McCaw fronted the media again with the Webb Ellis Cup on the table in front of him. The players had celebrated the 34-17 triumph over the Wallabies into the wee hours of the morning at their Pennyhill Park camp, but McCaw still looked better than immediately after the 8-7 victory over the French.
Physically and emotionally, McCaw said he felt "completely different to be honest".
"I think four years ago it was the emotional side as much as the physical, which was draining. This time, it's different, we didn't get pushed as hard as four years ago.
"Not to say the game was any easier, it was still a blinking tough game, it could have gone either way in the second half... perhaps it felt like we had a wee bit more control than four years ago," said McCaw.
"Certainly, the relief wasn't as huge but the satisfaction was the same."
The 34-year-old said there was a quiet satisfaction in a job well done, rather than "jumping around and going completely nuts", because the team expected to win the tournament if they performed to their potential.
Prince Harry presents McCaw with the Webb Ellis Cup. Photo / Getty Images
McCaw with his partner Gemma Flynn and parents Donald and Margaret. Photo / Brett Phibbs
The record-breaking captain said any opposition team would have to play well to beat them.
"I don't want to sound arrogant with that - in knockout rugby anything can happen - but we just wanted to focus on doing the best we could," said McCaw.
"We had confidence that if we got things right, there was an opportunity...If we came up against a better team, then so be it."
The significance of winning back-to-back tournaments had yet to sink in, said McCaw, but he was looking forward to returning to New Zealand to soak up the excitement of the fans at home.
Dan Carter, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith have definitely played their last test match and McCaw is expected to join them in retirement.
There was a "small part" of the 148 test veteran which was sad at the thought, but the players were focused on enjoying their last moments together.
"Right now it's just great being able to walk around with loose shoulders and a grin on your face."
John Key in the dressing room with McCaw. Photo / Getty Images
Asked whether he would throw away his running shoes or relax his diet, McCaw said he had not thought much about how he would reward himself.
"To be honest, I've been really tough on myself in terms of not looking past today. But I am going to enjoy not worrying about those sorts of things.
"I love going for a run because it makes you feel good, but nice not having to. Not having in the back of your mind every day, 'what do I need to do' to make sure I'm right for whatever down the track."
That extra time to "do whatever" is the reward for getting the job done, but McCaw conceded he would still have more time on his hands if the result had gone the other way.
"But there'd be a pretty good itch there, I'd suggest, that you can't scratch," said McCaw of a loss.
"That's what's going to be nice. But I'll still go out for a run every now and then."
