One of the game's most influential loose forwards, McCaw distanced himself from suggestions his reinstatement will magically translate to a much improved performance by his team in the Tri-Nations/Bledisloe Cup test at Eden Park tomorrow.
McCaw was quick to note Rodney So'oialo, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Andrew Hore were also back on deck against an Australian side who have a more settled look about them.
They are among 10 changes to the New Zealand team who muddled their way to a 27-6 victory over Italy three weeks ago.
But there is no denying McCaw's presence lifts the team, as it did last year when his recovery from injury coincided with a dramatic form reversal.
Written off after slumping to a 19-34 defeat in Sydney, the All Blacks rebounded to inflict the first loss of coach Robbie Deans' Australian regime, an emphatic 39-10 victory a week later.
As that transformation indicated, McCaw has become increasingly central to the All Blacks' cause.
Before he strode on to Eden Park to face the Wallabies last August, New Zealand lost their only tests of 2008, to the Springboks in Dunedin and Australia in Sydney.
Statistically, there has never been a more successful individual in test rugby history than the 28-year-old, in terms of success rate both as a captain and player.
In both categories he is the only player worldwide with a winning ratio of 90 percent or better.
Of the 105 captains to have led their country in 15 tests or more, McCaw leads the way with 30 wins from 33 tests, a success rate of 90.9 percent.
He also tops the list of 752 players to have contested 35 tests or more, having won 63 of 70 matches for a 90 percent record.
Disillusioned by a drawn series with France and a ragged win over Italy, All Blacks supporters hope McCaw plays to form again.
Not that McCaw feels his team are on shaky ground.
"I don't think there's any more pressure than usual," McCaw said when asked whether the All Blacks' current predicament was similar to 12 months ago.
"Three weeks ago we didn't have our best day out in the field (against Italy) but the things we need to change are not too major, you can turn it around."
McCaw's leadership will obviously add direction to a team who often appeared disjointed against the two European tourists.
Despite McCaw's attempts to play down his impact, Crusaders-turned-Wallabies coach Deans suspected his former captain's bearing would be immense.
"Last year we went to Auckland where Richie returned for that game, and the transformation of the All Blacks side that night from the one we played in Sydney was remarkable. Richie was obviously a big part of that," Deans said.
"He doesn't enjoy not playing. And as he showed last year, he can come straight back after a significant break and immediately play 80 minutes.
"He will also bring an absolute hunger and enthusiasm to the All Blacks because he hates watching average performances."
