Few sports teams in the world carry the mystique, success, and cultural gravity of the All Blacks, New Zealand’s revered national rugby union team. With their iconic black jerseys, pre-match Haka, and decades of excellence, the All Blacks are not only a symbol of rugby mastery but also of national identity and pride. Among the countless legends who have worn the silver fern, five players stand out as the most beloved, influential, and popular All Blacks in history.
Topping nearly every fan and expert ranking is Richie McCaw, widely considered the greatest rugby player of all time. As a flanker and long-time captain, McCaw led the All Blacks to two Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015. He played a record-breaking 148 test matches—110 of them as captain—and holds the distinction of being the most capped player in All Blacks history.
McCaw was more than a tactician on the field; he embodied leadership, humility, and an almost robotic level of discipline. His work ethic and unrelenting drive made him a role model both on and off the pitch.
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