Richie McCaw is New Zealand's great ever captain, says Sean Fitzpatrick
Thursday 19 November 2015 22:46, UK
Sean Fitzpatrick says Richie McCaw will go down as the greatest New Zealand captain of all time.
McCaw surpassed Fitzpatrick as the longest-serving All Blacks skipper, winning successive World Cups before calling time on his 148-Test match career.
"It's the right time," Fitzpatrick told Sky Sports. "He's been an All Black for 14 years, won back-to-back World Cups. There was a temptation to hang around until 2017 for the Lions but I think it's the perfect time.
"He's retired at the top of the game, has achieved more than he ever thought he would achieve, and to spend 14 years playing for the All Blacks is quite phenomenal.
He's continued the legacy of the All Blacks jersey and has been an absolute sensation since his debut against Ireland in 2001 .
"I've said to him both publicly and personally that he's the greatest ever All Black, and more importantly, the greatest ever captain. He's continued the legacy of the All Blacks jersey and has been an absolute sensation since his debut against Ireland in 2001 until he finished at Twickenham winning back-to-back World Cups.
"To show how dedicated he is, on the night of the World Cup final he said to me: 'Fitzy, tomorrow morning will be the first Sunday in 14 years that I will wake up and not have to worry about anything.'
"Not only will he go down as a great All Black, he'll go down as a great New Zealander."
McCaw declined a big-money move to France and is planning on throwing himself into some of his passions away from rugby, such as flying a helicopter.
Fitzpatrick doesn't expect McCaw to take up a coaching position but believes he will be involved in New Zealand rugby in some shape of form.
"I think Steve Chew [New Zealand Rugby chief executive] would like to have him involved. He's been one of the biggest influences in world rugby for so long and he's got so much knowledge.
"I'm sure he won't be an assistant coach or manager. I just think he'll be there giving a bit of advice. It's important as ex-All Blacks that we continue the legacy and he so much to offer to young guys coming through."
