Skipper McCaw will be first All Black to win 100 caps

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw will become the first player to win 100 caps for New Zealand after he was named yesterday to lead the team against Japan in Hamilton on Friday. McCaw made his debut against Ireland in 2001 and earned man of the match honours and has captained the side since Tana Umaga retired after the 2005 grand slam tour of Britain and Ireland.

“On behalf of the All Blacks coaches, management and fellow players, I would like to congratulate him on being the first player in All Blacks history to achieve 100 tests, a truly remarkable milestone,” All Blacks coach Graham Henry said in a statement.

“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.”

Fullback Mils Muliaina has been recalled to the side to win his 99th cap, as he continues his battle with Israel Dagg for the starting spot for the rest of the tournament following Dagg’s impressive performance in the All Blacks 41-10 victory over Tonga in Pool A last week. Dagg, who scored two tries in the first half of the tournament opener at Eden Park, is not even in the matchday 22 for the game against the Pacific Nations Cup champions. Utility back Richard Kahui, who scored two tries and set up two others against Tonga, has been shifted to left wing.