The day All Blacks legend Richie McCaw throttled pitch invader to protect referee

As a fresh-faced McCaw took to the field, little did he know that he would bear witness to a bizarre incident involving an unfortunate referee, David McHugh, and a crazed Springbok fan.

In the early stages of the second half, the inebriated South African spectator, van Zyl, grew discontented with McHugh's decision-making and decided to take matters into his own hands.

Having previously awarded the All Blacks a penalty try for a high tackle on Tana Umaga and disallowed a South African try by Breyton Paulse due to an interference call on James Dalton, McHugh became the target of van Zyl's frustrations.

The hefty, beer-bellied South African, squeezed into a Springbok jersey a few sizes too small, seized McHugh and wrestled him to the ground.

In the midst of this chaotic scene, a young McCaw, only in his ninth test match, swiftly sprang into action. Joining forces with a couple of Springboks, he intervened and forcefully removed the assailant from the field, ensuring that order was restored.

One fan wrote: "First to the breakdown as always. Captain Macaw to the rescue."

Another said: "Richie actually thought that a Springbok had had enough of the ref and decided to assault him."

A third commented: "

He earned a then world-record 148 caps for the All Blacks, winning 131 of those games and captaining his country 111 times. 

Lifting the 2011 World Cup in his backyard was a fitting tribute to one of the greatest ever All Blacks, but he went on to secure true legendary status as he continued for four more years, breaking record after record and uniquely hoisting the Webb Ellis trophy for a second time.

It was to be a perfect ending not just to his international career but also his playing career, as he confirmed his retirement from the game immediately afterwards.

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.”

DID YOU KNOW? n August 2014, Moody was one of 200 public figures who were signatories to a letter to The Guardian opposing Scottish independence in the run-up to September's referendum on that issue

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

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.

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.

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