The New Zealand Herald's, Daniel Gilhooly assesses the statistical worth of Richie McCaw as player and captain.
"Who will the All Blacks miss more - Richie McCaw the captain or Richie McCaw the player? The influence of world class flanker McCaw has become increasingly central to the All Blacks' cause, so much so that his injury absence from this month's two tests against France is enough on its own to give the tourists hope in the eyes of many.
"His No 7 jersey will be worn by Adam Thomson and the captaincy handed to fullback Mils Muliaina. Both will hope they can do a better job than those charged with replacing an injured McCaw last year, a period when the All Blacks lost their only tests of 2008, to South Africa in Dunedin and Australia in Sydney.
"McCaw's presence this week ahead of the first test at Carisbrook has been important in helping Thomson and the raw loose forwards find their feet, while carrying out test promotional work."
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