🏗️ Second Row – The Engine Room
4. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
A colossus in green and one of McCaw’s toughest opponents.
O’Connell’s leadership, intelligence, and relentless intensity earned McCaw’s respect as one of rugby’s greatest captains.
5. Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)
A modern-day great.
McCaw has hailed Retallick’s athleticism and skill as a lock who “can do it all.” A true game-changer in tight and open play alike.
🦾 Back Row – Where Battles Are Won
6. Richard Hill (England)
The definition of consistency and class.
Richie McCaw on Hill:
“Extremely 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.”
7. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
Fearless and ferocious.
McCaw on Burger:
“You can come up against another tough team but never feel like you’ve had a tough match against your opposite. But with Burger, you knew where he’d be and how hard he’d play near the ball.”
High praise from the toughest man in the game.
8. George Smith (Australia)
McCaw’s most respected rival.
McCaw on Smith:
“He was always pretty tough.”
In multiple interviews, McCaw admitted Smith was the one player he truly feared on the field — the ultimate compliment from the best flanker in history.
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