Without Peer

Wallabies coach New Zealander Robbie Deans says there is no doubt Richie McCaw is the greatest modern skipper in All Blacks history. McCaw has led New Zealand in more rugby Tests than any other. And Deans, who coached McCaw during his time at the Crusaders in Super 14 rugby, says no-one comes close to the 29-year-old — not even 199s great Sean Fitzpatrick, the man McCaw will overtake when he makes his 52nd Test appearance as All Blacks skipper. “He’s clearly grown into a very effective leader,” Deans said. “You look at his performance, his performance stats, which obviously aren’t attributable solely to Richie but he’s a big part of that, he’s without peer.”