But it's the concussion issue which is the real concern, and you have to wonder if the great man is receiving any advice that runs counter to the standard fare dominating our rugby-centric culture.
Who does McCaw hang with, and can they see the bigger picture when in the presence of a legend whose deeds have created such an aura? In other words, would anyone in McCaw's company have the courage to suggest he quit the game for the sake of his health, especially with the defence of a hard-won crown so tantalisingly close? He doesn't have kids either - a family man might have a different perspective.
McCaw's latest concussion occurred while executing a clumsy tackle against the Blues 12 days ago. We are all learning about the cumulative effects of sporting head injuries, although the old school thinking still mingles with new-found knowledge. His Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder mixed support for modern medical protocols with out-dated language, such as observing that McCaw "felt pretty good after the game".
The point is that no one, including the medics, really knows what happens to the brain in these individual situations but we do know of potential consequences such as depression. The full effects may only emerge many years down the track and McCaw must consider limiting the risk. No one would think any less of him, and a lot of us would think a lot more. McCaw is safe knowing he will be revered over time.
He certainly hasn't got anything to prove, and probably a bit to lose in the immediate aftermath if we find that fading legends hung on too long in 2015. Steve Hansen is threatening to defend the Webb Ellis Cup with a bunch of old-timers - a few too many - including well-over-30 veterans McCaw, Dan Carter, Jerome Kaino, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock and Conrad Smith. Shag's Army will be Dad's Army.
There was a booming warning from across the ditch last weekend, when superstar Kangaroo veterans capitulated against the energetic, power-packed Kiwis.
But this is primarily a health issue. Long gone are the days when the players themselves - or coaches and medical staff - have the right to tell us that they are over a head knock. Being exact about McCaw's medical history is tricky, but he had five concussion incidents from 2004 to 2011 from what I can make out. That can now be seen as a horror run and the effects don't magically disappear. McCaw is also a target for opposition hits. A little cup isn't worth the enormous added risks to his health.
Doyle making impact
What a pity Jim Doyle didn't roll up at the Warriors much sooner.
The former New Zealand Rugby League boss who had a lofty stint in Australia with the NRL is proving a decisive chief executive for the oft-struggling Auckland-based club. He is also giving them a strong public voice.
Doyle is a man the Auckland Council should relish doing business with, and it needs to heed his plea for a delay over the stadium merry-go-round plan due to be enacted this week. Doyle has not long had his feet under the desk and wants more time for a solution and one which simply can't involve a death march to the stadium in Albany. As long time tenants of Mt Smart Stadium, the club deserves much better than being railroaded to a place they know will likely kill them off.
The Auckland Council needs to take seriously the Warriors' threat to take matches on the road. This city is the Warriors' home, and the city needs and deserves them.
And as Doyle correctly emphasises, Regional Facilities Auckland has a new chief executive in Christopher Brooks, so why rush a decision now that has such huge consequences.
