During these difficult times, McCaw continued to pen his pre-test thoughts in his exercise book, a routine he continues as part of his pursuit of excellence.
He reveals some concerns and ideas about solutions in one excerpt from a troubled trip to Africa in 2009. He also notes his approach to referees.
"When ref is being inconsistent with his rulings. Especially when it is eliminating my effect," he writes.
"Be calm when I talk to him.
"Use right words - Can I speak with you a moment?
"Is that the standard for the game?
"Put pressure on him.
"Use short sentences which are to the point.
And later in the same self-instruction list McCaw writes:
"If they are putting one or two on me, must be opportunities for others.
"Talk to others (8,12,13) and get them to do my job.
and:
"Big guys coming, get low and use shoulder. Just need to be confident.
"NO FEAR."
That season was not the All Blacks' best but McCaw is still a champion. His jottings that year show what separates McCaw from others.
He is a machine with a mind, he has a body to cope with the brutality of the sport and an intelligence to unpick trends and adapt his game.
