Sir Graham Henry coached some of the greatest players in rugby history, but one All Blacks legend stood above the rest when it came to leadership.

The former New Zealand boss worked with Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Kieran Read during his eight years in charge.

He also guided the All Blacks to their first Rugby World Cup triumph in 24 years.

But it was Richie McCaw who earned perhaps his biggest compliment.

Henry's ultimate tribute

Henry's admiration for McCaw was clear following New Zealand's dramatic 2011 Rugby World Cup triumph.

The All Blacks edged France 8-7 in the final, ending a 24-year wait to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.

McCaw had battled a serious foot injury throughout the closing stages of the tournament.

Yet he still led his country to glory.

Speaking afterwards, Henry called his captain an inspiration and admitted he could barely understand how McCaw had managed to play.

He then delivered his ultimate verdict.

"He is the best leader this country has ever had."

It was extraordinary praise from a coach who had worked with some of rugby's biggest names.

Henry backed McCaw through the darkest days

Henry handed McCaw the All Blacks captaincy for the first time in 2004.

The pair enjoyed enormous success, but their partnership also survived one of New Zealand rugby's darkest moments.

In 2007, the All Blacks suffered a shock World Cup quarter-final defeat against France.

Henry kept his job despite fierce criticism.

Four years later, he and McCaw finally got their hands on the trophy.

Speaking about his captain in 2011, Henry also praised McCaw's ability to adapt and the courage he brought to the team.

Those qualities proved just as important as his performances at the breakdown.

McCaw's remarkable career in numbers

McCaw retired in 2015 with a record few players could dream of matching.

• 🏉 148 Test appearances for New Zealand
• ©️ 110 appearances as captain
• 🏆 2 Rugby World Cup titles
• ⭐ 3 World Rugby Player of the Year awards
• 💪 27 international tries

His achievements earned him a place in the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2019.

McCaw also featured prominently in RUCK's ranking of the greatest flankers in rugby history.

What made McCaw so special?

For Henry, McCaw's greatest strength went well beyond his rugby ability.

The flanker set the standards and expected everyone else to follow.

His determination during the 2011 World Cup summed him up. McCaw had barely trained for three weeks because of a foot injury, yet still led New Zealand to glory.

Henry could hardly believe what he was watching.

"He can hardly walk and how he played today I just don't know," he admitted after the final.

Henry credited his captain's heart and determination before delivering the ultimate compliment.

"He is the best leader this country has ever had."

McCaw would go on to lift another World Cup in 2015, this time under Steve Hansen.

Carter might have supplied the magic, but McCaw was the man Henry trusted to lead the show.

🏉 Build Your Ultimate Rugby XV

Think you know your rugby legends?

Put your knowledge to the test in the RUCK Ultimate Rugby Draft. Build your dream XV from rugby's biggest names, past and present.

Choose wisely, use your lifelines and see if you can top the leaderboard.