All Blacks captain McCaw to become most capped player

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw will become the world's most capped player in Saturday's Test against Australia, with the same enthusiasm for his 142nd Test as for his first 14 years ago.

While McCaw plays down the occasion, the 34-year-old openside flanker is rated by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen as "maybe the greatest player to have played the game in the modern era."

The record-breaking appearance, in which he overtakes the 141 Tests played by Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll, is also likely to be McCaw's farewell to New Zealand as he continues to indicate he will retire after the World Cup.

But the three-time world player of the year does not want to dwell on his achievements, which include leading the All Blacks to win the World Cup in 2011 while playing with a broken foot.

"I'm certainly proud I can still foot it after all these years and be good enough to be in the team," McCaw said, playing down the many milestones in his career.

Hansen described his captain as "an extraordinary athlete."

"When he finishes, and he's got time to reflect on it he'll be really, really proud of what he's achieved and he should be.

"But, the ironic thing is it hasn't been spoken about in the group because that's the way he likes it ... He's putting the team first and it's another day in the office where he's got to play well and that's how he's looking at it."

McCaw's first Test was against Ireland in 2001 and in 141 matches since he has only tasted defeat 15 times -- the memory of each riles the All Blacks captain.

"I remember them all for the different reasons why you ended up on the wrong side of the score sheet. But there are lessons that help down the line so you don't lose too many more. That's a big driver."

Talk of his successes and he deflects praise to those around him.

"You have to be in a good team to perform well. I've been lucky to be in All Blacks teams with great players who allow me to do what I do. I always remember that when people pat me on the back for things I've done."
Source: AFP