Rugby World Cup
Richie McCaw honours All Blacks centurion Ma'a Nonu
AAP
October 9, 2015
New Zealand 47-9 Tonga (video available in Australia only)
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Richie McCaw has hailed the dedication of Ma'a Nonu for his achievement of reaching 100 caps for the All Blacks.

McCaw, the New Zealand captain and the most-capped player in Test history, presented Nonu with a silver cap to commemorate the milestone after the All Blacks had defeated Tonga 47-9 in their final Rugby World Cup pool game in Newcastle.

© Phil Walter/Getty Images

McCaw, who didn't play the game because of injury, became the first All Blacks centurion during the 2011 tournament and has since gone on to play a world-record 145 Tests. He said that Nonu, the sixth New Zealander to achieve the feat, was a prime example of how far the right attitude could take a player.

"He's loyal to his team-mates, would give anything for the jersey, to the brothers alongside him," McCaw told the crowd at St James' Park. "I guess like all players, you've had your ups and downs in your 13 years as an All Black, but it's a testament to your hard work and determination that you're still putting out performances like that tonight."

Nonu scored a late try for New Zealand in a typically influential performance alongside long-time midfield team-mate Conrad Smith.

© AAP

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