Richie McCaw reveals one major regret from legendary All Blacks career
- Another All Blacks star forced home with injury ahead of Springboks series - August 14, 2026
- All Blacks star interested in sabbatical in South Africa - August 14, 2026
- Springboks make late move ahead of Bulls clash with All Blacks - August 14, 2026
Legend.
Richie McCaw achieved just about everything possible during one of the greatest careers rugby has ever seen, but the legendary former All Blacks captain has revealed there is one experience he wishes he could have had.
The flanker is currently back in South Africa for the first time since 2015, as part of the build-up to Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, with New Zealand preparing to face the Springboks in a four-Test series.
The 148-cap All Black enjoyed plenty of memorable battles with South Africa during his career, facing the Springboks 26 times and winning 20 of those encounters.
However, McCaw never had the opportunity to tour South Africa for a full Test series against New Zealand’s greatest rivals.
“I never had the privilege of coming here and playing a full Test series against the Boks,” McCaw told commentator Matthew Pearce in Johannesburg.
“It would have been nice to have had that privilege.”
More than a decade on from his retirement, being around the Test environment again has also reminded the two-time World Cup-winning captain of the part of international rugby he misses most.
“That anticipation in the week before a Test is what I miss the most,” McCaw added.
“Where you turn up on a Monday and start putting in the work to make sure you deliver your best on Saturday.”
McCaw’s old side will return to Ellis Park on August 22 when the All Blacks and Springboks meet in the opening Test of their highly-anticipated four-match series.
