McCaw focused solely on lifting trophy and not retirement
It is widely expected that Richie McCaw will retire after Saturday's World Cup final against Australia, and yet New Zealand's decorated captain is still refusing make an announcement.
All Blacks boss Steve Hansen continually hails McCaw as "the game's greatest-ever captain", and the 34-year-old can cement that status by retaining the Webb Ellis Cup this weekend.
Richie McCaw could be playing the last game of his career this weekend.
Credit: PA
"I haven't announced anything really," said McCaw, when asked outright if the World Cup final is his last game of professional rugby.
"I've purposely not got into that because I didn't want to get all hung up on what could be.
"I have to make a decision when I get home.
"I've been told there's a spot at the Crusaders if I really want it.
"I just want to play this weekend, and the tournament before that, the best that I can.
"You still play as though you've got years ahead.
"I've made no secret that I have to reflect after this, but I just have to get this week right."
McCaw is hoping he can lift the Webb Ellis trophy again.
Credit: PA
Though refusing to address his retirement directly, McCaw knows full well it will be a wrench to remove the All Blacks shirt for the final time this weekend, win or lose.
McCaw admitted wanting his New Zealand debut, against Ireland in 2001, to last forever.
Once Saturday's final is complete, the fierce competitor must then confront his Test arena mortality.
"You grow up wanting to be an All Black, that's the dream," said McCaw.
"I remember the first time I did it I just didn't want that moment to end.
"Once you get past that it's about leaving some of yourself in that jersey.
"That's what being an All Black requires, you add to what's gone before you, you don't want to let it down.
"I've loved every time I've got to do that."
