Who is the greatest All Black of all time? A survey has found 56% of rugby-mad Kiwis believe Richie McCaw deserves to take the title.

Sport24

According to stuff.co.nz website, the survey also found McCaw had overtaken Silver Ferns shooter Irene van Dyk as the most liked sporting celebrity, but only just – by a 1% margin.

Of those surveyed, 89% viewed McCaw favourably, up 11% since the question was last asked in 2008.

While van Dyk and Valerie Adams were equal in second place, with 88% of participants viewing them favourably.

McCaw’s team-mate Dan Carter also ranked highly, with 86% of participants holding him in high esteem.

The poll found former All Black coach Sir Graham Henry’s popularity had increased, with 75% viewing him favourably, up 10%.

While former Crusaders coach Robbie Deans’ problems as Wallabies coach seemed to have hurt his image, as 51% viewed him favourably, down 17%.

The only truly polarising sports celebrity on the list was Sonny Bill Williams, with 52% viewing him favourably and 37% unfavourably.

However, Williams scored better amongst league fans, with 69% viewing him favourably compared to 62% from rugby fans, suggesting that any resentment from his controversial departure from the Bulldogs may be fading.

The survey found rugby’s place as New Zealand’s most popular sport also remained secure, with 66% of participants saying they were interested in it.

Netball came in second place on 45%, followed by cricket on 40%.

The poll also found interest in rowing and athletics was as high as rugby league, motorsport and soccer, likely due to the coverage from the Olympics.

Interest in football was down 20% since its peak in 2010.

Around 1 000 New Zealanders, 18-years-old and over took part in the online survey, conducted by UMR Research.