Can Richie McCaw be considered a true great without NH club rugby?

First topic message reminder :

If Richie McCaw never plays NH club rugby can he still be considered a great of the game?

Players like Brad Thorn tipped off a grand career by casually collecting the NHs most prized club rugby. A true legend.

If Richie never taps this dimension will there have been something missing? For example he may never learn Richard Cockerill's true feelings on the new scrum engagement laws and how vital the NH clubs would have been had they been consulted.

The Saint wrote:Anyway, I'm sure there will be a position for McCaw at the Dragons in the near future, after the Opsreys poach Faletau, I Jones and Evans. He'd love the celtic league. He can get away with murder at the breakdown more often than usual due to the substandard refs that are available. Just ask the Irish .

Don't need him. He's just a poor man's Nic Cudd.

When Brad Thorn came to Leinster one of the Flankers a international made some comments
about the scrum.Thorn said something on the lines in the scrum 8 players SHOVE stop leaning
on it and shove you B******.  

Less talking and more pushing i believe is what he said.

Although its unclear whether this was actually in the correct context. There's a rumour he  may have said it to a lady of ill repute.