McCaw not thinking beyond Rugby World Cup Final

Editor

All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw will not be announcing his future plans until after the side returns to New Zealand following Saturday's Rugby World Cup final against Australia.

The openside flanker said he had purposely not got into any talk about his future.

"That hasn't entered my mind at all," he told allblacks.com

"I haven't allowed myself to think beyond that final whistle. 

"That lowers you into thoughts which are unhelpful for the game."

Going further, he said, there had been no talk in the team about him or the other members of the side who have already signalled the end of their Test careers: Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock.

"There has been no talk," said McCaw.

"That is the last thing anybody wants.

"It is about the team performing. It is not about individuals. The personal milestones are left aside.

"The guys know there are a few fellas not there next year, but the best thing is to perform and that will take care of that." 

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen had special praise for his captain and repeated earlier comments about where he stood in New Zealand's rugby history, as probably the greatest player the country has had in the game.

"Leaders are grown, not born," explained Hansen.

"You have to learn from experience. He has grown from 2007 and now is one of the great leaders of all time.

"And he is a good bloke."