1
'Part of you would like to be out there' - McCaw gives verdict on Crusaders
By Tom Webber
Former All Blacks and Crusaders captain Richie McCaw says his new watching brief is difficult at times, but gave coach Scott Robertson his thoughts on what the Crusaders must do to win their Super Rugby semi-final against the Hurricanes.
The defending champions put themselves under unnecessary pressure in their last-eight clash against the Sharks before clinching an ultimately comfortable 40-10 victory in Christchurch.
Former Crusaders captain McCaw won four Super Rugby titles with the franchise and offered his former team-mate Robertson some advice ahead of Saturday's meeting at AMI Stadium.
"I was just talking about it to Razor [Robertson]. It's the little mistakes, back-to-back mistakes or penalties allowing the momentum to go against you, it can just be one or two things like that," McCaw told 1 News.
"You can go from being on the front foot to all of a sudden with the guys that the Hurricanes have got, they are good enough to build that pressure and all of sudden it can cost you seven points.
"It will be just those little opportunities."
New Zealand's most-capped player McCaw, who turns 38 this year, admits he misses taking part in play-off matches but is trying to enjoy simply being a spectator.
"I was sitting in the stands last week and you sort of remember back to the times that you were lucky enough to do that," he said.
"There is a little bit that sits there, but you get past that. I am just really enjoying seeing the guys carrying on keeping the Crusaders at the top of the list.
"That is pretty cool to watch, but part of you would like to be out there, but you know can't do that anymore, just got to try and enjoy it like everybody else."
Trending on RugbyPass
2
All Blacks XV player ratings vs Munster
3
Suaalii strikes awe as Wallabies lose midfielder
4
Scott Robertson responds about handling errors
5
Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
Go to comments