Hansen on McCaw: 'A bit boring at times'

NZ Herald

17 Aug, 2015 02:37 AM2 mins to read

Richie McCaw isn't a man given over to emotional scenes but admitted he left the Eden Park pitch with a lump in his throat as the crowd stood as one to applaud him tonight. His last test in New Zealand, his 142nd to create a world record, a thumping Bledisloe Cup victory after the disappointment of last weekend - it was nearly all too much for the man who must be considered one of the greatest All Blacks ever.

Geez, thanks boss. All Blacks boss Steve Hansen has lifted the lid on Richie McCaw's personality, in his very Steve Hansen-type way.

Following the crushing Bledisloe Cup victory, Hansen said: "He's just a special player. What makes him extraordinary is his ability to play not just 142 tests, someone else will get there I'm sure... but it's the quality of his performances in 142 tests. I don't think he's had a bad one. In his very first test he was player of the day and you could give him player of the day just about every time he plays.

"It was nice to see the crowd respond the way they did. He deserved a standing ovation because of the the qualities I've just described. He's a special man - humble. He's an ordinary every-day bloke. Bright as hell but a bit boring at times."

Praise has also rolled in for the All Blacks skipper from all quarters.

A long-time member of the loose forward trio alongside McCaw, Jerome Kaino had big plaudits for his captain.

"It was quite special running on for him and the standing ovation he got, he fully deserved it and I can't say enough about the man.

"As a captain I think he does a lot of work above what he should be doing... the influence he has on this team is going to be missed in the years ahead.

"The legacy he's left for the players is going to be around for a while. He's set a standard for the captains ahead."

On TV1's Breakfast, Prime Minister John Key said, in his opinion, McCaw was the greatest ever All Black.

"As an athlete, you've got to say this guy is a freak."

Additionally, Sir Ian McGeechan, an icon of the British Lions, has labelled McCaw "the best back row-player I have ever seen - there is no doubt about that"