"Mad dog Moody" - Richie McCaw ranks his five toughest opponents
Rugby NewsTuesday, 30 May 2023 at 09:04
Richie McCaw, the iconic former captain of New Zealand, has placed Lewis Moody, the standout English rugby player, among the top five flankers he encountered throughout his illustrious career.
McCaw, renowned for his legendary status, amassed an impressive record of 148 international caps for the All Blacks, with 131 victories under his belt, while leading his country in 111 matches.
His crowning achievement came in 2011 when he triumphantly lifted the World Cup on his home turf, solidifying his position as one of the greatest All Blacks of all time.
Remarkably, McCaw continued to excel for an additional four years, shattering numerous records and uniquely claiming the Webb Ellis trophy for a second time in 2015.
This extraordinary feat not only concluded his international career but also marked the end of his playing days as he promptly announced his retirement from the sport.
#5. Lewis Moody (England)
- Position Back-row
- Height 6 ft 3 in
- Weight 225 lb
- Caps 71
Moody was known for the enthusiasm with which he plays the game, his willingness to chase down opponents and his ability to compete for possession at restarts, earning him the nickname “Mad Dog” from teammates and supporters.
Richie McCaw said: “I had got a lot of respect for the way he played, he threw himself into a lot of it. Moody was a little bit different to most flankers – he was also a ball carrier and he could put a lot of pressure on backlines.”
Lewis Moody shares a joke with Mike Tindall - Photo mandatory by-line:Phil Mingo/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 768 6958 48 - 19/03/2011 - RUBY UNION - RBS Six Nations - Ireland v England - Aviva Stadium, Lansdowne Road, Dublin, Ireland
#4. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
- Position Back-row
- Height 6 ft 2 in
- Weight 218 lb
- Caps 80
Dusautoir made his international debut against Romania in 2006 before making a name for himself the following year when France stunned New Zealand 20-18 in the World Cup quarter-finals.
The former France skipper also scored a try and was named man of the match in the 2011 World Cup final when New Zealand avenged their defeat of four years earlier with an 8-7 win in the final.
Richie McCaw said: "Over the years I've played him a few times and you always know he's there," said McCaw of Dusautoir. "He was always pretty big defensively and in the breakdown area. A menace"
DID YOU KNOW? He broke the record for most tackles in a match, making 38 tackles against the All Blacks in the 2007 World Cup
#3. David Pocock (Australia)
- Position Flanker
- Height 6 ft 0 in
- Weight 227 lb
- Caps 80
The Zimbabwe-born openside flanker, who made his debut for the Wallabies in 2008 and played at his first Rugby World Cup in 2011, was widely considered one of the best players in his position.
Richie McCaw said: "Ever since I started playing rugby I've looked forward to games against other No7s who are highly rated," he said. "Pocock was one of the best."
DID YOU KNOW? Pocock and his friend Luke O’Keefe run a not-for-profit organisation, Eightytwenty Vision, which has the aim of helping the less fortunate people of Zimbabwe.
#2. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
- Position Back-row
- Height 6 ft 4 in
- Weight 242 lb
- Caps 86
McCaw said: "You can come up against another tough team but never feel like you have had a tough match against your opposite. But with Burger you knew where they are going to be and how hard they play near the ball."
DID YOU KNOW? When not playing rugby, Burger lives and works with his family on the Welbedacht Wine Estate near Wellington, Western Cape.
1. George Smith (Australia)
- Position Back-row
- Height 5 ft 11 in
- Weight 233 lb
- Caps 111
Smith was a great contributor to Australian rugby in the modern era, playing in 111 tests across 13 years donning the green and gold jersey. 24 of those tests were against the All Blacks, of which Smith triumphed in seven – but only three in which McCaw also played.
McCaw said: Speaking in a Q+A with World Rugby, McCaw's revealed former Wallabies flanker George Smith as the one he feared most on the field, saying Smith "was always pretty tough".
“I remember playing him when I was in the under 19s against Australia and remember then thinking just what a good player he is.”
DID YOU KNOW? He was easily recognised on the field by his dreadlocked hair style until late 2006 – when he decided to sell his dreadlocks for charity. They were given to a charity for younger people with cancer.
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