New Zealand coach Steve Hansen hails 'greatest ever' Richie McCaw

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has described Richie McCaw as arguably the greatest player in the team's history following his record-breaking appearance against Australia.

The All Blacks' skipper set a new Test record on Saturday when he took to the field for the 142nd time at Eden Park.

The world champions made sure that the occasion was marked in winning style as they thrashed the Aussies 41-13 to lift the Bledisloe Cup.

"He's just an ordinary bloke but he's a champion," Hansen is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "He's probably been our greatest All Black of the modern time - if not ever, and we've had some great, great All Blacks."

McCaw won his first senior international cap for New Zealand back in 2001.