I think the greatest trait of Mccaw was his consistency and grit in all games. His humility was also another notable trait not seen amongst many rugby players. That's what makes him the GOAT.
If I had to go to war with any man it would have to be Richie...I've never seen such grit, determination, and pure passion in anyone else! Bloody amazing human....
I think the younger generation don’t understand how good Michael Jones was in his day. He was widely regarded as the GOAT until about half through McCaw’s career.
Richie set the standard of what a 7 should be/bring to the team. He did all the hard work, beat his body to shit, literally lied about injuries to keep playing, and always asked his coaching staff what he could get better at, every single season, and has hoisted quite a few cups and trophies over head for the AB’s. He’s gotta be NZ’s favorite son
Imagine a squad with Jones and McCaw in the same team 😳 grew up watching Jones as a young 7 in the UK, marvelled at McCaw as an adult. Great players both.
I love how most of the highlights are vs Australia and South Africa just goes to show the big clashes those three teams had and what it meant to show up in those matches
I’m a saffa and loving going through these picks. I only know the guys from 90’s on and it’s helluva lot of picks that im familiar with and then thinking about the guys who aren’t picked. AB’s have had some ridiculous players playing at the same time. Would be interesting to hear Aussies and Springboks name their picks for best AB and vice versa.
it's because no other country even cares about rugby lol. Dan Carter, Richie Mccaw and Jonah Lomu are the biggest names ever in rugby. But at their peaks, none them made more than $1M a year (NZD) in the late 90s and 200s. Guys like Mike Tyson and Michael Jordan were getting paid over $30, 40 or even 50 million USD in one match.... rugby is not very popular.
Richie is the greatest and yet is somehow still underrated. People just seem to equate him with the breakdown, but the real value he brings is that he provides what the team needs most. If you watch any ABs highlights package, McCaw almost always features the most, because he is uncannily always on the shoulder. For a guy who had limited physical gifts, he was a hard tackler and always a committed ball-runner. In that 2012 slog with Ireland won by a Dan Carter drop goal, McCaw ran for over 100m even though he was one of smaller forwards. Some of the times he got folded, but he always got back up. He did the best his body could offer. He scored 27 tries in his career, a very decent haul that compares favourably to some superstar wingers like Jason Robinson, JP Pietersen, and Joe Roff. His basics are always terrific. In the 2015 RWC semis - it was McCaw with the assist for Kaino' try. In the final, it McCaw with the assist for Milner-Skudder's try. He did the simple things very well. His defensive and offensive alignment, not always visible to the casual fan, is always flawless And in the one area he could will himself physically - in stamina, he was always good for 80 mins and beyond. Who can forget how he made the game winning tackle on the fresh French wing Maxime Medard in the 78th minute of the final, when he had carried a shell-shocked ABs on his back in the second half, while having his foot broken in 3 places for the past month and a half? He always provided what the team needed most, either through sheer will, rugby smarts, or super sound skills. McCaw has to the goat.
He even survived a head-on-head impact with Richard Bands early in his career that left him out cold for 15 minutes. For most people, that's the end, and yet he went on to captain the greatest AB side ever to two back-to-back world cup wins and complete dominance at the number 1 spot for a decade.
McCaw was an absolute beast but above all he was the most inspirational leader any team could wish for... McCaw, Kolise, Thompson, Warburton... the list is endless... All had they're impacts on the game and each one led to greatness... it's the most brutal of games but it's the most beautiful and passionate of games there ever will be...
You don't get to be world player of the year three times and captain ur country to victory in two world cups without being a very special player. For me Richie's greatest attribute was his mental strength. He never slackened from the incredibly high standards he set for himself. And his calm. U never saw signs of panic. The ABs won so often in the last 10 minutes as McCaw guided them home. No doubt it helps to have Carter, Mealamu, Read, Nonu, Woodcock, Conrad and Aaron Smith, Muliaina and Franks on ur team too. MaCaw played in 4 world cups and goes down in most Kiwi hearts as our greatest AB.
He wasn't just the greatest All Blacks flanker but he was the greatest flanker in rugby history. And he wasn't just the greatest flanker, but he was the greatest rugby player of all time.
As a Brit I agree he was a fantastic 7 a real warrior however the greatest 7 I have seen was Michael Jones, MC Caw was a man who turned himself from very good to great through his attitude to improvement but Jones was blessed with these gits from the very beginning and took the 7 role to a different level in my opinion.
Yeah for sure back in the days though lol he would be a solid Mitre 10 player at best in today's comps :) I crack up when they compare player stats from an older game when today's players have improved upon their predecessors in bounds.. still M.jones was a boss player lol
@@ImaCocoNgati If Jones had been around now, as a full time pro, with the benefits of modern training methods, diet, medical science etc etc; he'd have been the best player in the world not a solid Mitre 10 player as you state. You have to compare players with others in their era, and see how dominant they were in their own time..
McCaw's skill level was underrated. I remember once he caught the ball in the air, got flipped 360 degrees, and was still able to present the ball on a plate to the halfback. He was also superb at the back-flip out-the-back-door pass (aka Dan Carter vs France) but he didn't do that too many times.
I didn't agree with"underated"i didn't hear or read anything about him being underated from any country any team, and also no one can because, simply the proof is there no one will be able to underrated richy, and im not ab aswell im sbok, but even if one try to underated Ricky he wil loose his case emediately on the spot...
@@Patrick8804 ok mate no prob im not english, i also not against what u said just tought u say some talk like if they underestimated richy..., but i got u now👌
I'm very angry that Owen Franks wasn't picked at tighthead. The man played 108 tests for the ABs in a really difficult position and was the anchor of the ABs scrum for many years. Scrum hasn't been the same since he left
Michael Jones definitely changed the position and one of a kind Edit: to have Hart say he considered him standby for inside centre as well says a huge amount
Agreed Michael Jones turned the open side flanker position into something no one in the world had ever seen .Richie was a different open side flanker ,get down and dirty body on the line type ,Michael was smooth a and sleek gliding over the ground dammm those two .....Kirkpatrick ,Buck and Ardie are the best Eights I've seen ,to me Zinnie was a great blindside flanker but we all have our favourites, these are just my thoughts
He only got the vote of fake media cause people can't remember the days of previous legends... They're all legends of the game from their era and no one is above the other..
Don't get me wrong Zinny was an awesome player and probably deserves his spot but I think Read doesn't get enough credit. Fitz was saying how like Carter, Zinny would dominate games, well I think Read definitely dominated games and was responsible for turning the momentum towards the All black favour in many games. In the 2013 season he was immense, always finding a way to win when the all blacks looked down and out.
Fortunate to see both play. Huge MJ fan in my teenage years. In my adult years massive respect of Ritchie. Is it alright to give them 1st equal.. why does there have to be a winner.. let them both play 40 minutes halfs each.
I actually think that as long as a tall number 8 such as Read, Mexted or Lochore was selected in this fantasy team, you'd find room for them both, as they could both play blindside pretty well. McCaw was also fairly big for a NZ openside. Or You would have them play a left/ and right kind of style.
McCaw has got to be the best NO7 of all time purely cause he played in an era that was one of the toughest & hardest, just about every International team he played against had a world class NO7, but he be most remembered for the battles he had with The Boks who had a formidable forward pack lead by Victor Matfield but in particular his opposite Schalk Burger & loose forwards Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Dannie Russouw, Francois Louw etc but also had great battles against The Wallabies & there world class trio NO7's George Smith, Phill Waugh & David Pocock then there was the French lead by there great NO7 Serge Betsen & Thierry DuSautoir, Irelands Sean O'Brien, Wales Sam Warburton, Englands Lewis Moody etc and though he get smashed & bashed around in the rucks and at the breakdown the man would pull off a turnover or a try saving tackle or win a penalty to turn the game & more often then not McCaw would come out on top against all his adversaries and lead his All Blacks to victory...
I know what’s it’s like with a competitive person like zinny in your team. As a communications expert in the NZ army, I trained NZSAS cycle members. When every man in those training teams are as competitive or are all zinny’s it makes for excellent results in everything they did. It was just something you had to experience once in your life. Race to first off or on the truck, spitting comps, in fact anything in every day life was turned into a competition. Who caught the biggest eel, possum, the most … and it went on. Awesome experience
For me Josh Cronfield changed the speed of the openside, tackle, get up and get the ball, his work load was just out of it, covering the backs mistakes who'd be there Josh was always around the paddock, tight, loose was just amazing. So for every loosie after Josh played his style.....and Josh would play till he had nothing in the tank, whether it be club, reps or All Black duty. I'm a huge fan of the man....Josh Cronfield, All Black #7. Would've been good to see Josh, Richie, Zinzan and Michael play together
Yeah, Kronfeld was a damn good flanker,makes the Likes of Michel Hooper and Pocock look very average, close to McCaw status, the difference for me,was,McCaw just had to show up,and his team would perform, he lead quietly, his 80% games were still well above everyone's 100% games,he had the aura of a leader you would go to war for.
Mad respect for Richie. I was there the day that he collided with Richard Bands, a monster of a prop for South Africa, on Loftus. My father and I were way at the back of the stadium, and we still heard the collision even through all that distance and the noise of the crowds. Richie was out cold for a good 15 minutes, they didn't dare let play continue. For us mortals, that would be the end of our careers. For Richie, that was just a prelude to one of the best flanker and captain careers in rugby history.
Totally! If you ever were to team Richie McCaw up with Schalk Burger, it would arguably be the most fearsome flank pairing of the modern era, if not of all time.
Years ago, around the time of the 2011 WC I think, a group of us were discussing the latest game, as we did, and a non-rugby friend casually asked 'is Richie McCaw as good as everyone says he is'? Without a seconds thought (literally) everyone nodded yes! It struck me how quick and unified the answer was - we usually couldn't agree on anything!
Read took #8 play to the next level. Was more physical than Zinny in the tight, had a more dynamic running game , stronger skill set... better line out forward and a bigger work rate.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion but you won’t get many agreeing with you . Most would have zinny number 1 , buck second . Or might reverse that order .
Watching from the UK, Zinny was a flashier player, but he was brilliant. Reid was a scary player, hard as nails and skilful as anyone around the tight. I think him losing the 2019 WC semi has tarnished his reputation, which is unfair. Reid for me.
@@paulmulryne8405 if you were going on toughness alone you would probably go for buck . One thing for certain, . Nz has been blessed with great loose forwards . 6 and 8 you have similar discussions where everyone has a different opinion it seems .
Who was MJs greatest opponent? - Nobody, they couldn't get close enough. Who was McCaw's? - Quade Cooper! Thierry Dusatoir wiped the floor with McCaw in 2007 ( man of the match) and 2011 ( man of the match - in the losing team). Jerome Kaino was our best forward - loose forward in 2011 and 2015. Enough of 'statistical greatness', judge players by their feats on the paddock and on the biggest stage.
Being the best and being the greatest are not necessarily the same thing. Greatness is about longevity, and statistics and achievements in the game, which makes McCaw the Greatest All Black. The BEST flanker / rugby player I have ever seen is Micheal Jones
Richie if I recall correctly backed up the ball carrier and sought to OFF LOAD which the average forward seems unable to comprehend they just put their heads down and charge blindly when if they did that with objkect of off loading even half beating the defender/s who knows how many tries would be scored.
Greatest player of all time. No-one has operated so consistently at his level of RPMs for such a long time, 2 world cups, a million Bledisloe + Trinations. Can't think of anyone who beats him over a career.
@@asitis1673 His greatest skill was working out early where the refs lines was and pushing it to the limit every game. People give him shit over it but that is literally an opensides job.
I my two WORLD XV teams, i have Michael in the 1ST WORLXV @ 7 and Richie in the 2nd WORLD xv @7. Selected these two teams about 8 years ago. Will share with you all the selected players at a later stage
Was that Brian Williams...the best legs allblack....man he great....his the reason why south africans supported the allblacks back in the seventies...he was lethal
Richie McCaw in my personal opinion was one of the very rare breed that I've encountered in my life time, in which I am privileged enough to witnessed such a determined player! I grew up watching Sir. Michael Jones, but never I expected to witnessed such a can do attitude even if it's going to cost him his face in terms of being bloodied games, he just have that X-FACTOR about him! I sure do miss him on the pitch, along with so many other amazing and extra ordinary players that we as a Nation produced through out the pass few years! Long live Sir. Richie McCaw in our memories, Kiwis! 🇳🇿
Richie McCaw is as New Zealand as they come. He would captain a team of NZ AB GOATs. No disrespect to the others, just find a spot for him and form a team from the rest. Love from Oz.
Jones vs McCaw. What a conundrum. Jones at his best was poetry in motion. McCaw was pretty much always at his best. Both giants of the game. Very different players. McCaw was a great leader. Jones was the ultimate team player. Both very athletic. I honestly can't pick one over the other. Both highly intelligent and both very committed. Probably think Jones was the more explosive player but McCaw could graft when it was required. One could write a book on this. At a push I would give it to McCaw because of his 148 tests. I always thought Michael would have been even better without the ligament injury against the Pumas I think it was. Both played all loose forward positions well. We were so lucky to see their like in the Black jersey.
@@toiletsmithy3630 sssseeehhhh Stay in the flush house and do not think about saying a word!!! Your thoughts are insignificant and irrelevant, they don’t matter!!. Leave it to experts!!! 🤪
Yes all of them are great in there own rights , But with with Richie he has written a new chapters on the rugby world , Who is New Zealand rugby or the rugby world will measure his success of leading his nation to a back to back rugby world cup , Who in the history of rugby has done that ? In new Zealand or the Global ,
It's really unfair to compare players from different era of that game, so I'll go with McCaw 6, Reado at 8, and the late great Jerry Collins at 7, I LOVE Kaino, but Jerry is the original enforcer here. And yeah, Iceman was really something else, so was Zinzan Brooke.
Michael Jones is the best openside flanker; Kaino is the best blindside flanker though Kirkpatrick could easily slot in there, depending on the game you want played; Buck Shelford at number 8 and skipper, Reads lineout ability is pretty special though. I'm picking for pre-96 rules too, proper rugby, not the league hybrid game we have now!
Yeah man, hard to overlook the Iceman, Kirkpatrick isn't a bad shout aswell, scored some breathtaking tries in his playing days. If I'm to choose between Iceman and Richie, Richie just takes it. But it's extremely subjective man
@@Me-ex7qg jones was our greatest pure 7. Richie was the greatest rugby player ever. Not just flanker, not just forward. Goat, not just all black. But jones at 7 was out of this world.
Michael Jones is a better openside than out sainted captain but then he's a better blindside than anyone else too. So there's room for both on the team but Richie's other talents gets him the nod and not because he's the best No.7.
To me he was so tough, skilful, remorseless and resilient. He was constantly battered but always came up smiling. How could you stop him? Just a legend.
Legend trio! To play in the openside position for as long as Richie did,at that level,will never be repeated! 100% the greatest no.7! NZ has had many openside superstars,Michael Jones,Kronfeld,Mourie,just to name a few.But theyre careers were ended abrubtly due to injuries that come with playing in that position. On average say 4-5 years as an All Black? Richie played for 15 years for the AB’s! Absolute freak! The man on&off the field
4:07 "He was aways thinking about the game." That's what the dickheads, like Cooper, who targeted McCaw for cheap shots during a game never got into their thick skulls: that his concentration on the game was complete. Apart from a few seconds reacting after someone took a shot at him, it was always business - the game came first.
Wrong McCaw is the best flanker ever of all time GOAT 🐐 and Jerry Collins RIP the best number 6 ever lived point blank my opinion From Tunisia 🇹🇳 with love ❤️
Hate to say it…but Jones wasn’t a better 6 than Collins or Kaino. He briefly played there later in his career and was very good. Not on Collins and Kainos level at 6 though. I still think it’s fair that he was that good as a loose foward that it’s that tough to leave him out so I think the decision is fair.
"The team always came first with Michael Jones" - Laurie Mains. uumm yes except for when the ABs played on a Sunday, Jones would miss the game because of Church and Sunday being a day of rest😴 STILL he was and is the man🤙
I think the greatest trait of Mccaw was his consistency and grit in all games. His humility was also another notable trait not seen amongst many rugby players. That's what makes him the GOAT.
Maybe look up Jones as well ... humble was his middle name
Yep
Not the fastest, not the strongest... but definitely a hard worker.
His hard work showed in his game.
And he was a hard bastard
Hard work trumps talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
If I had to go to war with any man it would have to be Richie...I've never seen such grit, determination, and pure passion in anyone else! Bloody amazing human....
I think the younger generation don’t understand how good Michael Jones was in his day. He was widely regarded as the GOAT until about half through McCaw’s career.
Yeah I remember in the early 90s he was freakish
Richie set the standard of what a 7 should be/bring to the team. He did all the hard work, beat his body to shit, literally lied about injuries to keep playing, and always asked his coaching staff what he could get better at, every single season, and has hoisted quite a few cups and trophies over head for the AB’s. He’s gotta be NZ’s favorite son
Bucks Wayne Shellford has a 100% winning record as an All Black captain. Great
Imagine a squad with Jones and McCaw in the same team 😳 grew up watching Jones as a young 7 in the UK, marvelled at McCaw as an adult. Great players both.
I love how most of the highlights are vs Australia and South Africa just goes to show the big clashes those three teams had and what it meant to show up in those matches
I’m a saffa and loving going through these picks. I only know the guys from 90’s on and it’s helluva lot of picks that im familiar with and then thinking about the guys who aren’t picked. AB’s have had some ridiculous players playing at the same time.
Would be interesting to hear Aussies and Springboks name their picks for best AB and vice versa.
it's because no other country even cares about rugby lol.
Dan Carter, Richie Mccaw and Jonah Lomu are the biggest names ever in rugby. But at their peaks, none them made more than $1M a year (NZD) in the late 90s and 200s. Guys like Mike Tyson and Michael Jordan were getting paid over $30, 40 or even 50 million USD in one match.... rugby is not very popular.
Richie is the greatest and yet is somehow still underrated. People just seem to equate him with the breakdown, but the real value he brings is that he provides what the team needs most.
If you watch any ABs highlights package, McCaw almost always features the most, because he is uncannily always on the shoulder.
For a guy who had limited physical gifts, he was a hard tackler and always a committed ball-runner. In that 2012 slog with Ireland won by a Dan Carter drop goal, McCaw ran for over 100m even though he was one of smaller forwards. Some of the times he got folded, but he always got back up. He did the best his body could offer.
He scored 27 tries in his career, a very decent haul that compares favourably to some superstar wingers like Jason Robinson, JP Pietersen, and Joe Roff.
His basics are always terrific. In the 2015 RWC semis - it was McCaw with the assist for Kaino' try. In the final, it McCaw with the assist for Milner-Skudder's try. He did the simple things very well.
His defensive and offensive alignment, not always visible to the casual fan, is always flawless
And in the one area he could will himself physically - in stamina, he was always good for 80 mins and beyond. Who can forget how he made the game winning tackle on the fresh French wing Maxime Medard in the 78th minute of the final, when he had carried a shell-shocked ABs on his back in the second half, while having his foot broken in 3 places for the past month and a half?
He always provided what the team needed most, either through sheer will, rugby smarts, or super sound skills. McCaw has to the goat.
Yes
@@julianalderson3938 haha yep. But there is also more to life than the natural helicopter piloted kiwis
@@Bokgat i didnt read it all but when ya said worked for others sorta got me. Had few drinks but that matters, plus never injured always turned up.
He even survived a head-on-head impact with Richard Bands early in his career that left him out cold for 15 minutes. For most people, that's the end, and yet he went on to captain the greatest AB side ever to two back-to-back world cup wins and complete dominance at the number 1 spot for a decade.
@@julianalderson3938 I think he played with a broken foot once. Yeah? Kiwis and safas have a few things in common. Mainly they don’t bs or embellish
McCaw was an absolute beast but above all he was the most inspirational leader any team could wish for... McCaw, Kolise, Thompson, Warburton... the list is endless... All had they're impacts on the game and each one led to greatness... it's the most brutal of games but it's the most beautiful and passionate of games there ever will be...
You don't get to be world player of the year three times and captain ur country to victory in two world cups without being a very special player. For me Richie's greatest attribute was his mental strength. He never slackened from the incredibly high standards he set for himself. And his calm. U never saw signs of panic. The ABs won so often in the last 10 minutes as McCaw guided them home. No doubt it helps to have Carter, Mealamu, Read, Nonu, Woodcock, Conrad and Aaron Smith, Muliaina and Franks on ur team too. MaCaw played in 4 world cups and goes down in most Kiwi hearts as our greatest AB.
Saffer here, I would punch anyone who ever dares to shit-talk McCaw.
agreed was allways where the ball was was allways first into rucks deserves all the accolades we can give him
“…U never saw signs of panic” the guy went missing at the 2007 World Cup when he was captain, he panicked, had no idea!!!
@@johnmckenzie2157 that was his job as an open side flanker, to be the first to the breakdown, to stay in support of the ball carrier etc etc 🤪
He wasn't just the greatest All Blacks flanker but he was the greatest flanker in rugby history. And he wasn't just the greatest flanker, but he was the greatest rugby player of all time.
You tosser!! You saying he was better than Jonah??? 🤪
lies
McCaw, Schalke, Jerry Collins, George Smith, Phil Waugh, Juan Smith. Really miss that era
We’re getting the old
Juan Smith!... now there's a great beast of a player. I was an all black fan during his playing days but his quality was undeniable
As a Brit I agree he was a fantastic 7 a real warrior however the greatest 7 I have seen was Michael Jones, MC Caw was a man who turned himself from very good to great through his attitude to improvement but Jones was blessed with these gits from the very beginning and took the 7 role to a different level in my opinion.
Jones wasn't even 2nd best number 7.
are you serious? 1 and 2 are McCaw and Jones,and it's debatable what order that is in.@@novak7970
Michael Jones … best loose forward I’ve ever seen
Yeah for sure back in the days though lol he would be a solid Mitre 10 player at best in today's comps :) I crack up when they compare player stats from an older game when today's players have improved upon their predecessors in bounds.. still M.jones was a boss player lol
Roger that!
@@ImaCocoNgati generational players like Michael Jones, McCaw, Lomu etc… they would’ve been god-like players in any era
Yuuuuupppppppppp
@@ImaCocoNgati If Jones had been around now, as a full time pro, with the benefits of modern training methods, diet, medical science etc etc; he'd have been the best player in the world not a solid Mitre 10 player as you state. You have to compare players with others in their era, and see how dominant they were in their own time..
JK gave Jones the greatest accolade: “When he was at 7, I didn’t even have to look for him …….. I just knew he was there.”
As a sbok supporter, richy has done it the proof is in the pudding.... He just done it✌️
Richie and John Smit the best captains ever
@@groundhogguns5828 im sa:n, but john was a good captain, but not rickhie's caliber in captaincy or player....
@@georgefrederikoosthuizen891 I agree with you. Just mentioned 2 legends of the game. Richie up there on his own
@@groundhogguns5828 no prob mate dont know if u sbok aswell but thanx for also mention John... ✌️
McCaw's skill level was underrated. I remember once he caught the ball in the air, got flipped 360 degrees, and was still able to present the ball on a plate to the halfback. He was also superb at the back-flip out-the-back-door pass (aka Dan Carter vs France) but he didn't do that too many times.
I didn't agree with"underated"i didn't hear or read anything about him being underated from any country any team, and also no one can because, simply the proof is there no one will be able to underrated richy, and im not ab aswell im sbok, but even if one try to underated Ricky he wil loose his case emediately on the spot...
@@georgefrederikoosthuizen891 I just meant his skill factor isn't mentioned as much as his mental toughness, work ethic and things like that.
@@Patrick8804 ok mate no prob im not english, i also not against what u said just tought u say some talk like if they underestimated richy..., but i got u now👌
@@georgefrederikoosthuizen891 It's all good. I'm not SA but I'm big fan of your amazing team.
@@Patrick8804 👌thanx mate take care✌️
The one dislike is by Quade Cooper 👀
Who the hells c⁰⁰per
I'm very angry that Owen Franks wasn't picked at tighthead. The man played 108 tests for the ABs in a really difficult position and was the anchor of the ABs scrum for many years. Scrum hasn't been the same since he left
Michael Jones definitely changed the position and one of a kind
Edit: to have Hart say he considered him standby for inside centre as well says a huge amount
Agreed Michael Jones turned the open side flanker position into something no one in the world had ever seen .Richie was a different open side flanker ,get down and dirty body on the line type ,Michael was smooth a and sleek gliding over the ground dammm those two .....Kirkpatrick ,Buck and Ardie are the best Eights I've seen ,to me Zinnie was a great blindside flanker but we all have our favourites, these are just my thoughts
Top Rugby show , watching it from New York, Man The Greatest All Blacks are just mesmerizing , just pure InterStellar Sports Icons!!!
He only got the vote of fake media cause people can't remember the days of previous legends... They're all legends of the game from their era and no one is above the other..
Don't get me wrong Zinny was an awesome player and probably deserves his spot but I think Read doesn't get enough credit. Fitz was saying how like Carter, Zinny would dominate games, well I think Read definitely dominated games and was responsible for turning the momentum towards the All black favour in many games. In the 2013 season he was immense, always finding a way to win when the all blacks looked down and out.
Sir Michael Jones, Zinzan Brooke, Richie McCaw fuck yeah
Fortunate to see both play. Huge MJ fan in my teenage years. In my adult years massive respect of Ritchie. Is it alright to give them 1st equal.. why does there have to be a winner.. let them both play 40 minutes halfs each.
Respect ✊🏽
I actually think that as long as a tall number 8 such as Read, Mexted or Lochore was selected in this fantasy team, you'd find room for them both, as they could both play blindside pretty well. McCaw was also fairly big for a NZ openside. Or You would have them play a left/ and right kind of style.
Ritchie was made out of steel, covered in blood every test match. MJ had the nous for finding the gaps, blood preserved.Two different era's
For me Michael Jones was the man
McCaw has got to be the best NO7 of all time purely cause he played in an era that was one of the toughest & hardest, just about every International team he played against had a world class NO7, but he be most remembered for the battles he had with The Boks who had a formidable forward pack lead by Victor Matfield but in particular his opposite Schalk Burger & loose forwards Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Dannie Russouw, Francois Louw etc but also had great battles against The Wallabies & there world class trio NO7's George Smith, Phill Waugh & David Pocock then there was the French lead by there great NO7 Serge Betsen & Thierry DuSautoir, Irelands Sean O'Brien, Wales Sam Warburton, Englands Lewis Moody etc and though he get smashed & bashed around in the rucks and at the breakdown the man would pull off a turnover or a try saving tackle or win a penalty to turn the game & more often then not McCaw would come out on top against all his adversaries and lead his All Blacks to victory...
Agreed those Bok forwards you mentioned from that era - John Smit, Burger, Du Plesis, Matfield, Bakkies Botha.. Absolute giants of the game!
All three have bought so much joy to so many.
MJ can basically change a game by himself..MJ the greatest in Rugby 🏉 and Basketball 🏀
Yuuuuuuupppppppppp
I know what’s it’s like with a competitive person like zinny in your team. As a communications expert in the NZ army, I trained NZSAS cycle members. When every man in those training teams are as competitive or are all zinny’s it makes for excellent results in everything they did. It was just something you had to experience once in your life. Race to first off or on the truck, spitting comps, in fact anything in every day life was turned into a competition. Who caught the biggest eel, possum, the most … and it went on. Awesome experience
For me Josh Cronfield changed the speed of the openside, tackle, get up and get the ball, his work load was just out of it, covering the backs mistakes who'd be there Josh was always around the paddock, tight, loose was just amazing. So for every loosie after Josh played his style.....and Josh would play till he had nothing in the tank, whether it be club, reps or All Black duty. I'm a huge fan of the man....Josh Cronfield, All Black #7.
Would've been good to see Josh, Richie, Zinzan and Michael play together
Yeah, Kronfeld was a damn good flanker,makes the Likes of Michel Hooper and Pocock look very average, close to McCaw status, the difference for me,was,McCaw just had to show up,and his team would perform, he lead quietly, his 80% games were still well above everyone's 100% games,he had the aura of a leader you would go to war for.
Mad respect for Richie. I was there the day that he collided with Richard Bands, a monster of a prop for South Africa, on Loftus. My father and I were way at the back of the stadium, and we still heard the collision even through all that distance and the noise of the crowds. Richie was out cold for a good 15 minutes, they didn't dare let play continue. For us mortals, that would be the end of our careers. For Richie, that was just a prelude to one of the best flanker and captain careers in rugby history.
I forgot about that. Scary and impressive that guys commitment. Richard Bands was a monster you didn’t want to be running into.
As a bok supporter - I endorse your selection of Richie McCaw!
Totally! If you ever were to team Richie McCaw up with Schalk Burger, it would arguably be the most fearsome flank pairing of the modern era, if not of all time.
Years ago, around the time of the 2011 WC I think, a group of us were discussing the latest game, as we did, and a non-rugby friend casually asked 'is Richie McCaw as good as everyone says he is'? Without a seconds thought (literally) everyone nodded yes! It struck me how quick and unified the answer was - we usually couldn't agree on anything!
8. Zinzan/Soialo
7. McCaw/Jones
6. Collins/Kaino
Iceman was like a Rupeni Caucau at 7, pioneered rucking ❤️
Lol
I would have Ritchie and Cronfield. 8 I would have Shelford. It really depends on who you have in the other positions in the forward pack.
Fending off QC at 3:20 was *chefs kiss*
McCaw, Read, Jones. Read was next level for a number of years.
Agreed. I’m old enough to remember Zinzan, but Read had amazing hands and read the game like a champ!
Read took #8 play to the next level. Was more physical than Zinny in the tight, had a more dynamic running game , stronger skill set... better line out forward and a bigger work rate.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion but you won’t get many agreeing with you . Most would have zinny number 1 , buck second . Or might reverse that order .
Watching from the UK, Zinny was a flashier player, but he was brilliant. Reid was a scary player, hard as nails and skilful as anyone around the tight. I think him losing the 2019 WC semi has tarnished his reputation, which is unfair. Reid for me.
@@paulmulryne8405 if you were going on toughness alone you would probably go for buck . One thing for certain, . Nz has been blessed with great loose forwards . 6 and 8 you have similar discussions where everyone has a different opinion it seems .
@@camwells9726 yep. Read hands down for me. World Cup performances. Epic performances in SA. World player of the year in 2013. Unstoppable.
BRING BACK BUCK!!!
Before Michael Jones had his knee injury he was a freak. Such a good athlete
If you revolutionise the position, you are the Goat. Iceman without question.
No
Yes. Iceman was quality period 🤪
Who was MJs greatest opponent? - Nobody, they couldn't get close enough.
Who was McCaw's? - Quade Cooper!
Thierry Dusatoir wiped the floor with McCaw in 2007 ( man of the match) and 2011 ( man of the match - in the losing team).
Jerome Kaino was our best forward - loose forward in 2011 and 2015.
Enough of 'statistical greatness', judge players by their feats on the paddock and on the biggest stage.
not many people i felt sad about when they retired but zinzan carter and mccaw were those men
McCaw, Lomu, and Carter are my top 3 ABs
Michael Jones and richie. Not above one not below one but besides each other
Being the best and being the greatest are not necessarily the same thing. Greatness is about longevity, and statistics and achievements in the game, which makes McCaw the Greatest All Black. The BEST flanker / rugby player I have ever seen is Micheal Jones
Sorry mate I strongly disagree. Let me put to you this way, Quantity = Richie McCaw, Quality = Michael Jones. Best/greatest = MJ
That's a bit of a contradiction.
Richie if I recall correctly backed up the ball carrier and sought to OFF LOAD which the average forward seems unable to comprehend they just put their heads down and charge blindly when if they did that with objkect of off loading even half beating the defender/s who knows how many tries would be scored.
Greatest player of all time. No-one has operated so consistently at his level of RPMs for such a long time, 2 world cups, a million Bledisloe + Trinations. Can't think of anyone who beats him over a career.
No-one has operated so consistently off sides as well. No complaints, played the game.
@@asitis1673 His greatest skill was working out early where the refs lines was and pushing it to the limit every game. People give him shit over it but that is literally an opensides job.
I my two WORLD XV teams, i have Michael in the 1ST WORLXV @ 7 and Richie in the 2nd WORLD xv @7. Selected these two teams about 8 years ago. Will share with you all the selected players at a later stage
Omg I can't wait
Dan Carter 🐐🏉
Richie McCaw 🐐All Black🏉
Capt Richie reminds of a Marine Commando. Elite of the Elite.
Was that Brian Williams...the best legs allblack....man he great....his the reason why south africans supported the allblacks back in the seventies...he was lethal
Richie McCaw in my personal opinion was one of the very rare breed that I've encountered in my life time, in which I am privileged enough to witnessed such a determined player!
I grew up watching Sir. Michael Jones, but never I expected to witnessed such a can do attitude even if it's going to cost him his face in terms of being bloodied games, he just have that X-FACTOR about him! I sure do miss him on the pitch, along with so many other amazing and extra ordinary players that we as a Nation produced through out the pass few years! Long live Sir. Richie McCaw in our memories, Kiwis! 🇳🇿
Not just the greatest all black flanker but thee greatest of all time he’s the Goat!
All time greats! Lot's a luv!
Kiwi proud..!!!!!!!!!!
Richie McCaw is as New Zealand as they come. He would captain a team of NZ AB GOATs. No disrespect to the others, just find a spot for him and form a team from the rest.
Love from Oz.
His left everything on the field. I played open side flanker and recognize him as the best flanker ever.
Jones vs McCaw. What a conundrum. Jones at his best was poetry in motion. McCaw was pretty much always at his best. Both giants of the game. Very different players. McCaw was a great leader. Jones was the ultimate team player. Both very athletic. I honestly can't pick one over the other. Both highly intelligent and both very committed. Probably think Jones was the more explosive player but McCaw could graft when it was required.
One could write a book on this.
At a push I would give it to McCaw because of his 148 tests.
I always thought Michael would have been even better without the ligament injury against the Pumas I think it was.
Both played all loose forward positions well.
We were so lucky to see their like in the Black jersey.
Disagree strongly. Quantity = McCaw, Quality = Jones 🤪
@@kitbakz2483 No brain comment ...
@@toiletsmithy3630 sssseeehhhh Stay in the flush house and do not think about saying a word!!! Your thoughts are insignificant and irrelevant, they don’t matter!!. Leave it to experts!!! 🤪
I think Keiron Reid should have been in the list to. No doubt and they KNOW IT!
6 Jerry Collins. 7 Michael Jones. 8 Buck Shelford. Easy
Yes MJ I grew up watching. But MCGAW is the greatest. MJ should be 6.
Imagine Richie, Michael & Zinzan in the same squad for years!!
Yes all of them are great in there own rights , But with with Richie he has written a new chapters on the rugby world , Who is New Zealand rugby or the rugby world will measure his success of leading his nation to a back to back rugby world cup , Who in the history of rugby has done that ? In new Zealand or the Global ,
Zinny & Jones.. No arguments from me. I will still say I got the fanboy love for Duane Monkley & Richard Jerram. WAKATOO!.
First and only captain to lift 2 trophies many other players from Aus and 2 from SA who have done the same.
Josh cronfeld
BOK- He (JK) could loan you the VHS 📼 Tapes
JK - VHS nice (nods and smiles)
🤣🤣🤣
Is no one going to mention ZinZan had the biggest melon ever in world rugby
Franck bunce, best defend,,.
I don't know, it's pretty close between Richie and SRM.
Richie the greatest
Have you ever watched Michael Jones playing?
It's really unfair to compare players from different era of that game, so I'll go with McCaw 6, Reado at 8, and the late great Jerry Collins at 7, I LOVE Kaino, but Jerry is the original enforcer here.
And yeah, Iceman was really something else, so was Zinzan Brooke.
That 8-10 channel would have been exploited again and again because JC would be slow to be a 7
@@moapebatinikeli3176 you know what he means tosser!! 🤪
Michael Jones is the best openside flanker; Kaino is the best blindside flanker though Kirkpatrick could easily slot in there, depending on the game you want played; Buck Shelford at number 8 and skipper, Reads lineout ability is pretty special though.
I'm picking for pre-96 rules too, proper rugby, not the league hybrid game we have now!
Yeah man, hard to overlook the Iceman, Kirkpatrick isn't a bad shout aswell, scored some breathtaking tries in his playing days. If I'm to choose between Iceman and Richie, Richie just takes it. But it's extremely subjective man
Real Shame so many arent old enough to know about Kirky.. Oh well.
Listen to the experts talk about Jones!! He could do things McCaw couldnt
Such as? McCaw easily the best ever flanker
@@Me-ex7qg jones was our greatest pure 7. Richie was the greatest rugby player ever. Not just flanker, not just forward. Goat, not just all black. But jones at 7 was out of this world.
Like play on sundays...
@@mikejames1804 …..Gold.
@@mikejames1804 😂😂😂👍
Whats kirwan up too with that hat 😅
Hiding his bald spot…
Zinnee and his drop goals legend.
Iceman for me
Jones such a legend. Very close to our greatest ever.
3rd best all black in history according to rugby world magazine, McCaw did feature in top 5 from memory
Michael Jones is a better openside than out sainted captain but then he's a better blindside than anyone else too. So there's room for both on the team but Richie's other talents gets him the nod and not because he's the best No.7.
To me he was so tough, skilful, remorseless and resilient. He was constantly battered but always came up smiling. How could you stop him? Just a legend.
Legend trio! To play in the openside position for as long as Richie did,at that level,will never be repeated! 100% the greatest no.7! NZ has had many openside superstars,Michael Jones,Kronfeld,Mourie,just to name a few.But theyre careers were ended abrubtly due to injuries that come with playing in that position. On average say 4-5 years as an All Black? Richie played for 15 years for the AB’s! Absolute freak! The man on&off the field
4:07 "He was aways thinking about the game."
That's what the dickheads, like Cooper, who targeted McCaw for cheap shots during a game never got into their thick skulls: that his concentration on the game was complete. Apart from a few seconds reacting after someone took a shot at him, it was always business - the game came first.
Feel that Kelvin Tremain deserves a mention.
Absolutely the best, Ritchie McCaw.
Wrong McCaw is the best flanker ever of all time GOAT 🐐 and Jerry Collins RIP the best number 6 ever lived point blank my opinion From Tunisia 🇹🇳 with love ❤️
Greatest flanker of all time
Does JK have an audition for Peaky Blinders after this?
Hart wanting to play Jones as backup center. Explains why he never won a RWC - players playing out of position.
From a South African, not the best All Black flanker ever, the best flanker the world has ever seen.
Jones was not great on a Sunday
God always came first for Michael Jones!!!
Hate to say it…but Jones wasn’t a better 6 than Collins or Kaino. He briefly played there later in his career and was very good. Not on Collins and Kainos level at 6 though. I still think it’s fair that he was that good as a loose foward that it’s that tough to leave him out so I think the decision is fair.
*Sir Michael. She can't even get that correct.
Defo in my book.
NZ Rugby still picks the fruit of what Richie Mcaw did in his playing career
"The team always came first with Michael Jones" - Laurie Mains.
uumm yes except for when the ABs played on a Sunday, Jones would miss the game because of Church and Sunday being a day of rest😴 STILL he was and is the man🤙
6:11 Beautiful