Richie McCaw: The All Blacks’ big white shark

If Richard Hugh McCaw lifts the Webb Ellis Cup up to the London skies tonight in his final act as an All Black, it would do more than reinforce his claim to being rugby’s ultimate gladiator, the best player the game has seen.

More than that, it would also underline his status as one of the great sportsmen in history, with his name leaving a truly indelible imprint in his sport.

Where 21st century football has Messi and modern cricket had Tendulkar, rugby in McCaw boasts a similar champion for the ages.