Steve Hansen salutes Richie McCaw as 'the greatest'
Thursday 19 November 2015 16:53, UK
New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen led the tributes for Richie McCaw after the All Blacks captain announced his retirement from rugby.
The 34-year-old openside flanker has decided to hang up his boots after becoming the first man to lift the Webb Ellis Cup twice by leading the All Blacks to their second successive World Cup triumph last month.
McCaw's retirement had been expected after the All Blacks became the first team in World Cup history to successfully defend their title and he confirmed his decision in Wellington on Thursday - the day after Jonah Lomu's death.
Lomu died at the age of 40 and there was a minute's silence for the former New Zealand wing at the opening of McCaw's press conference.
"On behalf of the All Blacks, we want to congratulate Richie on everything he has achieved in his career. All this success couldn't have happened to a better bloke and we wish him all the very best for the future," Hansen told allblacks.com.
"In my opinion, he will go down not only as the greatest All Black of all time, but the greatest captain we have ever had and possibly the greatest player to have ever played the game in the modern era.
"To play 148 Tests is something to be marvelled at on its own, particularly with the physical demands of the position he plays. But the more impressive thing about those 148 games is the quality of the performances he produced. Having been involved in the majority of those Test matches, I can't recall him ever playing a bad game.
"His ability as a leader will be something he will be remembered for. Leadership doesn't come to anyone naturally, it's a learned skill.
"He's been an inspiration to us all. Not only has he enhanced the jersey during his time, but he has left a lasting legacy that will be talked about by many people long after we're all gone. It's been an absolute pleasure to have shared the road with him."
England's RFU tweeted: "Congrats to captain Richie McCaw on an incredible career. Enjoy your retirement!"
Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver said: "Richie's record speaks for itself, he is one of the all-time greats of our game and the greatest ever All Blacks captain."
Former Wallabies flanker Phil Waugh said: "You can just see the bruises, the scars that he wears. He came onto the scene a pretty fresh-faced young New Zealander and he finishes with such an outstanding record. I do think he's the best rugby player of all time. He's won more trophies and medals than any other player."
Former South Africa captain Jean de Villiers tweeted: "What he has achieved on the field, as an individual and as captain of the All Blacks, is nothing short of unbelievable. Richie will probably go down as the best who has ever played this game."
Former Ireland fly-half Ronan O'Gara tweeted: "Well done to Richie McCaw. The greatest rugby player there ever was and will be. What a champion."
