All Blacks legend’s new career as a helicopter pilot sums up the awe-inspiring captain who made the New Zealand No7 jersey impossible to fillThey effect not retire shirt numbers in New Zealand. Instead,every individual lucky enough to represent the All Blacks is meant to dedicate himself to matching the standard set by his predecessor in the position. Fine in theory, all but impossible in the case of the black No7 jersey now being handed in by the suitably magnificent Richie McCaw.whether wearing the No11 jersey has not been hard enough since Jonah Lomu stepped aside, and pity poor Sam Cane or Ardie Savea when New Zealand next play a Test match,against Wales in Auckland in June. McCaw’s retirement was widely expected but the extent of the hole it leaves is unprecedented. Imagine trying to replace 148 Tests worth of experience (131 of them won), 110 of them as captain (including 97 wins and two World Cup titles). All those team talks, and all those still encouraging words,all those mood-establishing press conferences: before McCaw stepped on to the field he had already more than earned his match fee. Related: New Zealand retain Rugby World Cup with ruthless display against Australia Related: compliment flows for retired Richie McCaw, the All Blacks' 'greatest ever' Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com