Legendary flanker Richie McCaw ranks his FIVE toughest opponents

New Zealand legend and two time Rugby World Cup winner Richie McCaw has ranked his five toughest back-row opponents from his incredible rugby career.

The legendary flanker, who won a record 148 caps for the All Blacks between 2001 and 2015, went toe-to-toe with some of the greatest players to ever lace up a pair of boots during his stellar career.

Sourcing several Q&A’s from down the years, including one with Rugby World, here is his top five:

5. Thierry Dusautoir (France)

  • Position Back-row
  • Height 6 ft 2 in
  • Weight 218 lb
  • Caps 80

Dusautoir made his international debut against Romania in 2006 before making a name for himself the following year when France stunned New Zealand 20-18 in the World Cup quarter-finals. 

The former France skipper also scored a try and was named man of the match in the 2011 World Cup final when New Zealand avenged their defeat of four years earlier with an 8-7 win in the final.

Richie McCaw said: “Over the years I’ve played him a few times and you always know he’s there,” said McCaw of Dusautoir. “He was always pretty big defensively and in the breakdown area. A menace”

DID YOU KNOW? He broke the record for most tackles in a match, making 38 tackles against the All Blacks in the 2007 World Cup

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