Richie McCaw’s dream team of players he’s coached could compete with any team from any generation of rugby.
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Looking back through the archives, the 40-year-old saves his praise for only the players he truly admires.
RICHIE MCCAW DREAM TEAM:
BACK-THREE:
15. Christian Cullen (New Zeland)
Cullen, a former All Blacks fullback, is renowned for his speed, agility, and scoring prowess. Debuting in 1996, he amassed 46 tries in 58 tests. Nicknamed “Paekakariki Express,” Cullen’s dynamic play revolutionized the fullback role, making him one of rugby’s most electrifying players.
14. Julian Savea (New Zealand)
Savea, known as “The Bus,” is a formidable All Blacks winger celebrated for his power and try-scoring ability. Debuting in 2012, he scored 46 tries in 54 tests. Savea’s strength and speed made him a crucial asset, contributing significantly to New Zealand’s 2015 Rugby World Cup victory.
11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Lomu, a legendary All Blacks winger, is celebrated as rugby’s first global superstar. Standing 6’5″ and weighing 262 lbs, Lomu’s combination of size, speed, and power redefined the sport. Debuting in 1994, he scored 37 tries in 63 tests, becoming an iconic figure in rugby history.
McCaw on Lomu: “When I first became an All Black he was in the team. To play alongside a guy you have watched as a young fella was pretty amazing. He made me look silly in training more than once.
“He is one of the absolute superstars of rugby. If you go to somewhere where rugby is perhaps not well known then the one guy they do know is Jonah. It’s really sad that he’s passed away at age 40. He was a legend of the All Blacks and a legend of rugby,”
CENTRES:
13. Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Nonu, a dynamic All Blacks center, is renowned for his powerful running, exceptional offloads, and defensive strength. Debuting in 2003, he earned 103 caps, playing a key role in New Zealand’s 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cup victories. Nonu’s versatility and skill have made him a rugby legend.
12. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
Wilkinson, an iconic England fly-half, is best known for his decisive drop goal in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final. Debuting in 1998, he amassed 1,246 points in 91 tests. Renowned for his precision kicking and defensive prowess, Wilkinson is one of rugby’s greatest fly-halves.
McCaw on Wilkinson: “He’ll go down as one of the greats of world rugby.”
