The Bionic Man

http://www.nzrugbyworld.co.nz/Article.aspx?id=431

He’s been the ever present man in the All Black back No 7 jersey since he made his debut in 2001. He’s been, possibly, the best openside the world has ever seen and without doubt, Richie McCaw has been the player of the decade. In the December/January issue of NZ Rugby World GREGOR PAUL pays tribute to the All Black captain. Here's a snapshot of the Richie McCaw story so far.

Friday, 04 December 2009
Gregor Paul

1999
Is selected for New Zealand Under 19s.

2000
Makes his debut for Canterbury as a 19-year-old and also plays for New Zealand Under 21s.

2001
Is selected again for New Zealand Under 21s and is also named Under 21 Player of the Year andIRB Newcomer of the Year.
Makes his All Black debut as 20-year-old against Ireland at Lansdowne Road in Dublin.

2002
Is part of Crusaders team that wins the Super 12, becomes a regular All Black and is voted NPC Division One Player of the Year.

2003
Plays in his first World Cup with the All Blacks and is the winner of the Kelvin Tremain Memorial trophy.

2004
Is again the NPC Division One Player of the Year having been part of the Canterbury side that won the title.
At just 23 he captains the All Blacks against Wales in Cardiff when Tana Umaga is rested by the selectors.

2005
Leads the Crusaders to the Super 14 title and is outstanding for the All Blacks against the British Lions.
Is asked to captain the All Blacks for a second time when they clash with Ireland at Lansdowne Road.

2006
Takes over the captaincy full-time following the retirement of Umaga.
Leads his side to 12 wins from tests and is named both IRB Player of the Year and New Zealand Player of the Year.

2007
Plays in every test leading into the World Cup and then scored the All Blacks’ first two tries of the campaign.
Becomes the fastest player to reach 50 test wins with the All Blacks.

2008
Captains the Crusaders to another title but then injures his ankle in the June test series against England.
Recovers to play second half of the Tri Nations and lead New Zealand to their fourth consecutive title.

2009
Leads an under powered Crusaders to the semi-finals but picks up an injury that keeps him out of the Iveco series.
Returns to action and in November he played his 46th test as captain.