There was little debate 15 years ago when the New Zealand Rugby Football Union named Colin Meads their player of the century.
His longevity and bravery in the famous black shirt – he once played on against East Transvaal with a broken arm – spoke for itself, but if the vote was cast again today he may well have been given a run for his money by another pioneering forward.
Richie McCaw will equal Meads’ record of 133 appearances for the All Blacks when he runs out against Argentina in La Plata tonight.
That will not come as a surprise to many, with the open-side flanker redefining the role of the No7 in the modern game as he has come to personify New Zealand’s dominance of world rugby.
Yet, his ascent to the pantheon of the game’s greats has not been as seamless as it may appear.
McCaw first came to prominence in his homeland when he led Otago Boys High School to a share of the national title in 1998. However, he was overlooked by New Zealand Schools and according to many who knew him at that early age, the disappointment only drove him on.
His elevation to the full All Blacks set-up came three years later, but after just 17 games for Canterbury, John Mitchell’s decision to include the 20-year-old against Ireland was not universally popular.
Former All Black, Josh Kronfeld, termed the selection “bloody incredible”. But the 54-cap flanker would be made to well and truly eat his words. McCaw was named man of the match as he and his team-mates overcame a shaky first half to sweep the Irish aside 40-29 at Lansdowne Road.
There was also a sign of things to come as the open-side stole possession, setting up a move that ended with Jonah Lomu scoring.
It was his ability at the breakdown that set him apart from his contemporaries and changed the way people thought about players on his side of the scrum.
Indeed his effectiveness at forcing turnovers has led to allegations of cheating and made him a target for the opposition. But while he had come to blows with some players, most notably Quade Cooper, he has generally kept his cool in the face of such provocation.
In doing so he has led his country with distinction for the last seven years, including their long-awaited World Cup win three years ago, achieved amid a rash of injuries.
Showing no signs of slowing down, McCaw is certain to lead New Zealand in their title defence next year. Win again and the man who once turned down a knighthood might just move ahead of Meads as the ultimate All Black.
