Team comes first, says McCaw

Richie McCaw says he is not nostalgic but some time down the line he will look back on Saturday's Rugby World Cup match against France with rose-tinted glasses.

Win, lose or draw, McCaw will become the first All Black to win 100 Test caps when he faces the team who dashed his country's hopes at RWC 2007.

McCaw had been expected to reach the milestone last week against Japan but a calf strain ruled him out of the match. He has been included on the roster for the clash with France that should decide the top team in their pool.

But he believes now is not the time to be sentimental, saying: "Putting the personal stuff aside, it is a big game anyway and the fact it is my 100th adds to it.

"But it is a team sport and you do not want to get carried away with the personal stuff. There are goals that keep you going, and certainly 100 Tests, I thought about (achieving) that the odd time in my life.

Pinch myself

"But every time I get on the field, I pinch myself about putting on the black jersey. I suppose it will be the same against France, but you have to move on quickly because we have the rest of the tournament ahead of us. It is very much a team game."

Given the rivalry between France and the All Blacks, it is fitting McCaw will hit the century mark at Eden Park, where the Kiwis have remained unbeaten since 1994, the year they were beaten by the French.

"I suppose if you are going to pick a game and an opposition to play your 100th, it would be a good choice,' he said.

"It is exciting for a whole host of reasons but, from my point of view, the first thing is to make sure the team go out in form and we win. You put your personal stuff second to that."

It has been a whirlwind week leading up to the historic occasion.

McCaw said people from all walks of life had reached out to congratulate him.

Pretty cool

"A lot of people, friends, family and people I have played with, have texted me. It has been pretty humbling, really. The last week or so has been pretty cool."

Given his achievements and his place in New Zealand rugby history, which one of his 99 Tests does he remember the most?

"I have been asked that a couple of times and games stick out for different reasons,'' he said.

"There are games when you have your backs to the wall and you come out and perform. There are games when you have a great game.

"But the one I always say, is my first Test. It's the day you can call yourself an All Black and you are part of the dream and you get to say you are an All Black."