Aaron Smith returns for Highlanders’ must-win clash

McCaw never went overseas. Carter did early in his career and got a bad injury which probably contributed to his ongoing niggly injures.

I think that’s part of the reason why Carter is a hero, but McCaw is a legend.

It’s not like the amateur era, he would made about four million staying in New Zealand in the 2024-2027 cycle. He ultimately chose a few million extra going to Japan (easy to understand if was still going to get the cold shoulder from the coaches).

Yes, it’s possible to get a career ending injury at any time playing rugby. But that doesn’t often happen. Even most really bad injury only takes one season to recover from (yes there are outliers, but that’s super rare). Even if he lost a season he would still bring home four million.

He could’ve been the difference between an All Black that is second and an All Black team that is number one (probably currently lucky to be second). Also, the current high earners only can earn highly because the New Zealand rugby system made them as good as they are. Beneficiaries of that system should look to give back to the system and to the fans.

We’ve discussed this before and I know you see it the other way.

It’s basically Ire against the world now.

I think they get it in their head that they have to be constantly innovating to stay on top. Sometimes the best thing is just to focus on the basics/current pattern.

To a degree I think that type of coach gets bored - unless they are trying to break the mold. But also, their success to that point and personality type won’t allow them to drop the new idea and admit they were wrong.

Much like when the All Blacks were going to have a ‘flat backline’ in the Henry era. They were adamant that it was going to work, eventually. They were prepared to lose a few tests to achieve it. After the 2009 season (losing 0-3 to the Springboks) they were more than willing to give up 20 meters to offset the 'rush defense’. They generally go that 20 meters back and more on top. It was to Henry’s credit be changed how the backline worked e.g. abandoned the ‘flat backline’ and dropped the power wings for three fullback/right wings.

With the benefit of 20/20 hindsight: a Cruden(10)/B Barrett(15) combo might’ve been better for the 2016-2019 cycle; and a Mo’unga(10)/B Barrett(15) combo might’ve been better for the 2016-2019 cycle. Then maybe Mo’unga(10)/Jordan (15) [with McKenzie at reserve 9] for the 2020-2023 cycle.

I went off the deep end a bit the end of the comment, see who reads that far down :)