Richie McCaw became the All Blacks' sixtieth captain last week, taking over from Tana Umaga who reitired from international rugby last year. McCaw, captain of the highly successful Crusaders Super 14 team, is regarded by many as the best openside flanker in world rugby today.
Leading New Zealand's most popular sports team is not new to McCaw. His first taste of the number one job was against Wales in 2004, the second against Ireland in 2005.
Born in Oamaru, the 25 year old with southern rugby roots played No. 8 at Otago Boys High School in Dunedin before heading to Canterbury, where he was quickly recognised as a first class player.
McCaw was recognised as a genuine future leader by Graham Henry early on when the All Black coach first announced that Umaga would take the reins. McCaw, only 23 years old at the time and considered too green, was earmarked to succeed Umaga.
In the New Zealand publics' most scrutinised role, intense focus will be placed on Richie as we approach the new All Black season. Can he lead the celebrated All Blacks to the greatness of modern era teams like the 1987 to 1990 team captained by Buck Shelford and join the elite club of great
All Black captains?
With the calibre of All Black team-mates such as Dan Carter, Rico Gear, Piri Weepu and Jason Eaton, New Zealand rugby may well be entering a glorious new era. The hopes of a nation hold dreams of this era including bringing the Rugby World Cup home from France in 2007.
However, Richie will by no means be alone on his Crusade. He will have the full support of over four million Kiwis, his fellow players, and a very talented coach and management team who all have full confidence in him.
Meanwhile, rugby stalwarts from all over the world will look forward to this year's first AB game against Ireland in Hamilton on June 10, which will begin the new era of All Black captaincy.
"As well as a great honour and privilege, it is a big challenge to captain the All Blacks," McCaw said in a media conference in Christchurch. "Along with the other team leaders, I hope we can keep improving on the success of the last 18 months and play some exciting rugby. New Zealand has some excellent players right now who are enjoying the game and I'm looking forward to the job."
McCaw's first assignment, however, is to lead the Crusaders in the finals of the new Super 14 competition over the next two weeks. Having finished the round robin on top of the table and guaranteeing themselves home advantage over the finals, the Crusaders are looking a very strong contender to take their sixth Super Rugby title in just 11 years.
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