Saturday 15 August 2015 12:56, UK
New Zealand captain Richie McCaw is setting his sights on the World Cup after becoming the most-capped player in Test rugby history in Saturday's win over Australia.
McCaw made his 142nd appearance in the All Blacks' stunning 41-13 victory at Eden Park, surpassing Brian O'Driscoll's record in what is likely to be his final game on home soil.
“The first day I put on this jersey, I just didn’t want to let it down,” an emotional McCaw said after the game. “I wanted to add to the legacy of what was a hundred-odd years before.
Sport's a funny old thing. Last week we were on the receiving end of it, but in true style, we put a better performance together
“And still tonight, that was the goal of putting on the jersey, to go and add something to it and leave something of yourself to it.
“I’ve just been so grateful to have the opportunity to do it all these years. I’ve loved every single minute of it.”
After regaining the Bledisloe Cup against the Wallabies, McCaw is now turning his attention to next month's World Cup. “That’s the mountain we want to climb,” he said.
McCaw made his debut in 2001 and has captained his country at three World Cups, finally lifting it in 2011. He was also named IRB international player of the year in 2006, 2009 and 2010.
But a humble McCaw was eager to praise his teammates after being honored in front of a crowd of 48,457.
"They're absolute champions," he said. "I've been so lucky, and I think those guys will agree, to have each other side by side over so many years to go through the tough times and the good times.
"Sport is a funny old thing. Last week we were on the receiving end of it (losing 27-19 to Australia) but in true style, and it's what it means to be an All Black, we put a better performance together."
New Zealand Coach Steve Hansen said of McCaw: "He's just an ordinary bloke but he's a champion. He's probably been our greatest All Black of the modern time - if not ever, and we've had some great, great All Blacks."
Australia captain Stephen Moore added: "Full credit to Richie and his team. He's been a great opponent for us for a long time now and he deserved everything he got."
