McCaw Reflects on Iconic Rugby Rivalries

In a recent chat, legendary rugby player Richie McCaw shared his thoughts on some of the toughest opponents he faced throughout his career.

Starting with Tony Woodcock, McCaw joked, “If you’re looking for a night out, stay away from Tony Woodcock or go and see Tony Woodcock.” He added that Woodcock was a teammate since his teenage years, making their bond even stronger.

Next up, McCaw praised England’s Chris Hill, calling him an extremely gifted player. According to McCaw, Hill had all the tools needed and was always reliable when England needed someone to step up during tough matches.

McCaw also mentioned George Smith, the former Wallabies flanker, as someone he truly feared on the field. He recalled playing against Smith as a young player in the under 19s and was impressed by Smith’s skills even then, saying he was “always pretty tough.”

Lastly, McCaw spoke about Springbok flanker Francois Burger, noting that even if you faced another tough team, Burger made sure you felt the intensity of the match. “With Burger, you knew where they were going to be and how hard they play near the ball,” he said.