Richie McCaw's heartfelt message for record-breaking All Black Sam Whitelock

Two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain Richie McCaw has penned a heartfelt message of congratulations for record-breaking All Black Sam Whitelock after the win over Italy in Lyon.

Whitelock, 34, equalled McCaw’s longstanding record as the most capped All Black in history during the 71-3 victory over Namibia in Toulouse earlier in the tournament.

But it was simply inevitable that Whitelock would surpass McCaw during the sports showpiece event. The All Blacks centurion was named on the bench to play Italy and went on to make history during the second half.

Whitelock replaced blindside flanker Shannon Frizell in the 48^th minute, and at that moment created history by becoming the first All Black to play 149 Test matches.

Another incredible milestone is within reach for Whitelock, with the second-rower a good chance of playing his 150^th Test in the black jersey against Uruguay on Thursday evening.

“A massive congrats @samuelwhitelock on becoming the most capped All Black,” McCaw wrote on Facebook.

“It takes huge amounts of drive and perseverance along with a relentless consistency to play as many games as you have.”

About an hour after full-time, Whitelock spoke about his record-breaking appearance in the black jersey. The lock offered a humble grin as he reflected on the significance of the milestone.

Whitelock’s wife, kids and parents were in the crowd at OL Stadium as the All Blacks ran away with a commanding 96-17 win.

“Yeah really special on a personal level. Had some really cool moments this week, some guys who said some awesome things – some videos, some calls, some texts,” Whitelock said.

“I haven’t read all of them but I’ve read a few of them and they’ve been pretty awesome just being able to stop and slow down and actually enjoy some of those messages.

“I saw Brad Thorn a couple of weeks ago and he sent a couple. He was there at the start for me and he really set me up to be successful. He used to tell Owen Franks and myself before we’d even played a Test match that we’d play 100.

“Really cool to connect with him and see his lovely family and just reminisce about some of the stuff that we used to get up to in the first couple of years.”