Captain Fantastic

Richie McCaw, a.k.a Captain Fantastic really is our greatest All Black ever. I don't know if this entry coincides with the release of his book on Tuesday but after another successful campaign winning the inaugural Rugby Championship it was time to sum up this great man.

I like most people weren't aware of the inevitable statistic after the win against South Africa on the weekend, if the All Blacks win it would be Richie's 100th win out of 112 tests. 

Lets just take it all in, 100/112. 

Who would have thought that not only did he become the first All Black in history to play 100 games but to only loose 12 of those is simply unheard of. 

Anyway who watched the game against the Springboks in Dunedin can see that even in his early 30's after 109 games he is still playing some phenomenal rugby. I personally haven’t seen him play better for a long time. Not implying he has played badly but he was literally just brutal. The ability to add the extra running game into his fort-ay just establishes that an old dog can learn new tricks.

After watching an interview with John Campbell on Tuesday night and he was asked about this remarkable achievement, his response was "yeah, its pretty special really. You have to be part of a pretty good team to be able to do that" and in that statement it sums up Richie in a nut shell. Even with all of his individual achievements it is always about his team and playing alongside his mates. It is this humility that has made him not only a great player but a great captain, leading his team with this same belief.

He may not have fans all around the world, especially the Australians but you cannot deny the impact he has had on the game both here and internationally. There are not alot of people who can dig themselves out of the dark tunnel after the 2007 Rugby World Cup loss but also to stand up and lead an entire team towards the next campaign.

Whatever you think, i certainly am thankful we have him leading our great team.

So thanks Richie for all you have done. Is it to early to wish you all the best for the next 100? :)

Pick up a copy of his book from Whitcoulls, Paper Plus or the Warehouse.