New Zealand
Richie McCaw listed as global sporting icon
ESPN Staff
January 9, 2014
New Zealand's Richie McCaw takes a breath, Australia v New Zealand, The Rugby Championship, ANZ Stadium, Sydney, August 17, 2013
Richie McCaw "has remained a down-to-earth, humble individual" © Getty Images
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Richie McCaw has been ranked alongside global sporting icons Roger Federer, Sebastian Coe, Muhammad Ali, Tiger Woods and Ayrton Senna for his success and influence on rugby union, with the Daily Mail inducting him into its Sporting Hall of Fame.

The Rugby World Cup 2011-winning captain, the All Blacks' most capped player, was listed because "he is a player who longevity of success has come to symbolise New Zealand's dominance of the 15-man code, over several years".

"Last year he became the first player in his sport to participate in 100 Test victories - losing just 12 during that long period," the Daily Mail reported. "He has captained his national team more times than any other player in the history of the game.

"When he has been skipper - a position he has held full-time since 2006 - New Zealand have won 90% of their matches. While Wayne Shelford didn't lose a match as captain from 1987-1990, McCaw's win ratio is greater than anyone else who has served as the Kiwi kingpin for 15 internationals or more.

"As if all that wasn't enough, there has been a veritable torrent of individual awards over the years too. While those he has repeatedly claimed at home are too numerous to mention, what stands out is that McCaw has been named the IRB's World Player of the Year a record three times. On five other occasions, he has been short-listed for the prestigious honour.

"Along the way, he has remained a down-to-earth, humble individual who is ill at ease in the glare of fame which accompanies his public profile in New Zealand."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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