Australia captain Stephen Moore has hailed New Zealand counterpart Richie McCaw as he prepares to play a record-equalling 141st Test match.

McCaw will equal Brian O'Driscoll's landmark tally later today when he turns out for the All Blacks against the Wallabies in their Rugby Championship decider.

Moore admits that the veteran's longevity at the summit of international rugby can only be admired.

"He's been at the top of the game for a long time," he is quoted as saying by planetrugby.com. "It's very tough to stay in the position he has been in for a long time, so I certainly admire and respect that."

McCaw, who guided New Zealand to Rugby World Cup glory in 2011, won his first international cap back in 2001.