He began as a winner in black. He is set to finish as a winner in black.
2015 will be a year New Zealand rugby fans will never forget.
There were the tragic losses of Jerry Collins and Jonah Lomu, which plunged the rugby-loving nation into despair.
There was the high of a World Cup 2015 trophy triumph, three separate homecomings and good deeds aplenty from a plethora of squad members [and Sonny Bill Williams a few times].
All Blacks legends Dan Carter, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Keven Mealamu also retired. The All Blacks must plan for the 2017 Lions Tour without a host of inspirational characters.
They will need to find a new captain too.
The New Zealand Rugby Union has announced a 12:15pm [local time, 11:15pm tonight] press conference with McCaw present. It will take place at New Zealand Rugby House in Wellington.
Most roads point to the 34-year-old retiring but comments after the World Cup win over Australia cast doubt over his eventual decision.
Post-match, McCaw said, “I still don’t want it to end, to be honest.”
NZRU chief executive Steve Tew then indicated that McCaw had ‘asked for a little bit more time before he finally makes a decision and an announcement’.
McCaw has appeared in 148 Tests for the All Blacks and has been on the winning side 135 times.
The openside made his international debut in a touring win over Ireland at the old Lansdowne Road, in November 2001.
He captained his country to World Cup success in 2011 and 2015 and was named World Rugby Player of the Year on three occasions.
The Omaru native has previously stated that he would not be keen on a lucrative club stint in France’s Top 14 so a club rugby retirement may soon follow his Test farewell.
It’s been a blast.
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