Kiwi skipper reaches 100-Test milestone

Inspirational skipper Richie McCaw will become the first All Black to play 100 Test matches when his team meet Japan at Waikato Stadium on Friday.

McCaw will lead a New Zealand side with seven personnel changes and a positional switch to the line-up that defeated Tonga 41-10.

Sonny Bill Williams is on the bench and there is no place for two-try hero Israel Dagg in the match 22.

Mils Muliana comes back as full back for his 99th Test. Andy Ellis gets his first World Cup start at scrum half and Cory Jane comes back in on the right wing.

In the forwards, flanker Adam Thomson has recovered from an elbow injury to take his place at number 8, hooker Keven Mealamu returns and Sam Whitelock replaces Ali Williams at lock.

Conrad Smith comes in at outside centre, with Ma'a Nonu moving across to inside centre.
Announcing his team on Wednesday in Hamilton, All Blacks coach Graham Henry praised his captain's achievement.

“He is incredibly brave, skilful and a hugely intelligent player who has the total respect of his team through the many deeds and successes he has achieved on the rugby field, and his ability to lead from the front," he said.

Teammates' salute

"He's an inspirational person for everyone in this room, for the team and for all New Zealanders. He provides inspiration to New Zealanders because of his total commitment to enhancing the reputation of New Zealand through the success of the All Blacks team."

McCaw tried to downplay his milestone.

"It was going to happen at some stage and it's a bit of a relief to get there," he said.
But he did admit he was excited about Friday's match.

"It's pretty special. To get to 100 is awesome."

McCaw's teammates were not so reticent about his value as captain.

"Richie is massive for the team. There's no doubt what he brings to the team. He should be very proud of his achievements," said Muliaina.

Smith believes McCaw is the most motivated player he has ever met.

"There's lots to admire about him. He has so much motivation and drive. On a Monday morning, he's the one getting everyone motivated for the next game. You need that for a team, especially from a captain," he said.

Mealamu said: "There's a real calmness about Richie. He's a true leader, who leads by his actions. We want to go out there and make it a truly memorable occasion for him."

Ellis, who plays with McCaw for Super Rugby side the Crusaders, echoed such sentiments.

Off-field influence

"He speaks very well to the players," he said. "He trains so hard. He's always the first one out there doing sprints, which motivates me to get out there early and start running. That's a sign of a great leader."

Flanker Jerome Kaino says McCaw is as much a leader off the field as he is during a game.

"When I hit rock bottom with off-field stuff a couple of years ago, he helped me out," he said. "He contacted me a couple of times and he helped me out in the team environment. I always went to him for advice."

Number 8 Thomson paid tribute to his skipper's durability.

"He's a real professional. He looks after his body well. It's a credit to him to play so many games in such a tough position," he said.

Coach Henry said the All Blacks were under no illusions about how much of a challenge Japan would be, after watching their effort against France in their opening match when the Brave Blossoms were just 25-21 down before fading in the final quarter to lose 47-21.