New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen poured praise on skipper Richie McCaw after the history-making New Zealand captain announced his retirement from rugby.
"On behalf of the All Blacks, we want to congratulate Richie on
everything he has achieved in his career," Hansen told the All Blacks
official website.
"All this success couldn't have happened to a better bloke and we wish him all the very best for the future.
"In my opinion, he will go down not only as the greatest All
Black of all time, but the greatest captain we have ever had and
possibly the greatest player to have ever played the game in the modern
era.
"To play 148 Tests is something to be marvelled at on its own,
particularly with the physical demands of the position he plays.
"But the more impressive thing about those 148 games is the
quality of the performances he produced. Having been involved in the
majority of those Test matches, I can't recall him ever playing a bad
game.
"His ability as a leader will be something he will be remembered
for. Leadership doesn't come to anyone naturally, it's a learned skill.
"He's been an inspiration to us all. Not only has he enhanced
the jersey during his time, but he has left a lasting legacy that will
be talked about by many people long after we're all gone. It's been an
absolute pleasure to have shared the road with him."
Richie McCaw and Steve Hansen - AFP
Several of McCaw's former opponents also paid tribute to the outgoing number 7.
"You can just see the bruises, the scars that he wears," said former Wallabies flanker Phil Waugh.
"He came onto the scene a pretty fresh-faced young New Zealander and he finishes with such an outstanding record.
"I do think he's the best rugby player of all time. He's won more trophies and medals than any other player."
South Africa's Corne Krige took to Twitter to pay his tribute:
Australia Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver echoed that.
"Richie's record speaks for itself, he is one of the all-time
greats of our game and the greatest ever All Blacks captain," he said.
"For 15 years he has been a highly-respected adversary for
Australian teams and is a class individual and a tremendous competitor
who is deeply admired by fans and his peers."
Across social media, there was a range of reaction, from respect...
...to those poking fun at the superstar's well-earned reputation for playing rugby to the very edge of the rules.
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