Tearful McCaw caps Bledisloe Cup joy with Test record
RICHIE McCAW became the most capped player in Test history as New Zealand retained the Bledisloe Cup for the 12th year by hammering Australia in Auckland.
The 34-year-old was given a standing ovation as he led the All Blacks out at Eden Park to overtake Ireland centre Brian O’Driscoll’s record of 141 caps.
McCaw, who made his debut in 2001, wiped away tears as he said: ‘I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to put on this shirt so many times over the years. The first time I put on the jersey, I remember not wanting to put it down.
‘I just wanted to add to the legacy that had gone on for some hundred years before.’
While the match was a personal triumph for McCaw, it was a disaster for Australia just over a month before the start of the World Cup as they crashed 41-13.
Two Dan Carter penalties and a converted Dane Coles try had put the world champions ahead, with two Quade Cooper kicks keeping Australia in touch going into the break.
But Cooper was sent to the sin bin early in the second half for a high tackle on Aaron Smith and a penalty try was awarded to the All Blacks.
Wing Ma’a Nonu went over twice, as Australia struggled without Cooper on the pitch, before Conrad Smith added a fifth try.
Israel Folau showed his electric pace with a superb solo try, but it was simply consolation for the Wallabies, who are England’s World Cup group rivals.
‘We knew it would be tough but we got outclassed tonight,’ said Aussie captain Stephen Moore.
Meanwhile, flanker McCaw is not allowing his personal milestone to detract from the hard work New Zealand face in their World Cup campaign.
He said: ‘It’s important not to get caught up in it all. We must not lose focus and the hard work starts now.’