\ud83c\udfd7\ufe0f\u00a0Second Row \u2013 The Engine Room<\/p>\n
4. Paul O\u2019Connell (Ireland)
A colossus in green and one of McCaw\u2019s toughest opponents.
O\u2019Connell\u2019s leadership, intelligence, and relentless intensity earned McCaw\u2019s respect as one of rugby\u2019s greatest captains.<\/p>\n
5. Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)
A modern-day great.
McCaw has hailed Retallick\u2019s athleticism and skill as a lock who \u201ccan do it all.\u201d A true game-changer in tight and open play alike.<\/p>\n
\ud83e\uddbe\u00a0Back Row \u2013 Where Battles Are Won<\/p>\n
6. Richard Hill (England)
The definition of consistency and class.
Richie McCaw on Hill:<\/p>\n
\u201cExtremely gifted player who had all the ability in the world to play and run the ball. When England needed someone to dig in, he was your man. He had the full tool bag and quietly got on with it.\u201d<\/p>\n
7. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
Fearless and ferocious.
McCaw on Burger:<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can come up against another tough team but never feel like you\u2019ve had a tough match against your opposite. But with Burger, you knew where he\u2019d be and how hard he\u2019d play near the ball.\u201d
High praise from the toughest man in the game.<\/p>\n
8. George Smith (Australia)
McCaw\u2019s most respected rival.
McCaw on Smith:<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was always pretty tough.\u201d
In multiple interviews, McCaw admitted Smith was the one player he truly\u00a0feared\u00a0on the field \u2014 the ultimate compliment from the best flanker in history.<\/p>\n
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