Blacks seek to allay McCaw fears
13 Oct 2011
All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen says Richie McCaw’s foot injury will not preclude him from selection for the semi-final but said he wouldn’t train with the team until Saturday.
McCaw has been plagued by the injury since the Super Rugby season, and there are strong reports that he has been heavily medicated in order to take the field during the tournament.
There were fears that McCaw’s tournament was over on Wednesday when Crusaders team-mate Matt Todd took part in the Blacks’ training session. Hansen said Todd’s presence was nothing unusual, citing that he was in the wider training group. He also said McCaw’s foot is ‘fine’.
‘He didn’t train last week on the pitch, and he probably won’t train on the pitch until probably the captain’s run and he’ll do very little,’ Hansen said.
Hansen said his injury wasn’t affecting his match performances. ‘I think he played pretty well last week. It was a tough game last week for loose forwards I thought because the Pumas were outstanding defensively and got a lot of numbers in the breakdown. It was a tough game and I thought he played well.’
57 Comments
13 Oct 2011, 01:31 am
McCaw will be there to do the business
13 Oct 2011, 02:49 am
He’s only firing on 5 of his 6 cylinders.
13 Oct 2011, 03:28 am
McCaw has been playing average rugby in this world cup. Has missed a few games and I would rather have a fit Vito playing seven than a 70% McCaw.
I wouldn’t have dared said this a year ago but the ABs can do without McCaw. Jerome Kaino is the man at the moment and his presence will be missed more than that of McCaws.
Bring on the Wallabies!!
13 Oct 2011, 03:40 am
@kelefua(kelefua)-3:
I would prefer if we didn’t do without anyone else.
13 Oct 2011, 04:06 am
@kelefua(kelefua)-3: McCaw is an average player, always has been. His power over the ref is what he really brings. It allows New Zealand to play outside the laws very strongly. But now that the Franks brothers, Read and Vito are able to offer this, he may as well be discarded. Certainly his nonexistant leadership is barely a loss.
13 Oct 2011, 04:22 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-5: Thats a bit harsh. His game at Brisbane a few years back will be fondly remembered by many as the greatest game ever seen dominated by a man wearing the 7 jersey – and well within the law too. His fitness is incredible. His tackling, his clearing out of rucks, link play, is awesome.
3 years voted – World Player of the Year – and YOU say hes average.
13 Oct 2011, 04:31 am
6.@Kia. Alucard is Keo’s inhouse inverse assessor of players. The better the player, the more likely he is to rubbish him. Take this as a compliment.
13 Oct 2011, 04:34 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-5:
Writing clueless posts does not earn you more Keo points/money.
I have a feeling that you think all the NZ team is average.
13 Oct 2011, 04:35 am
@stormer in a teacup(stormer in a teacup)-7:
Astute and succinctly surmised…
13 Oct 2011, 04:41 am
The King is clearly not playing at 100%, I’ve certainly never seen him miss tackles like he did that lead to the Argie try. However it is vital that he starts, he is the greatest Captain in World Rugby, his long list of titles is tantamount to success. More so because of Cardiff and the lessons learned there in defeat.
Kia kaha
13 Oct 2011, 04:58 am
@stormer in a teacup(stormer in a teacup)-7: Not so. It is very mich correct. His play includes very sloppy lying over the ball, coming in from every direction. No accuracy whatsoever. I’m merely not one of you little imbeciles that bown down to anything doning the All Kak jersey. As for leadership? Where has he ever stood tall as a leader when the team really has had it’s back to the wall? simple answer, never has this ever been seen, because those supposed leadership skills are not there. McCaw is an innaccurate player, adored by the reffing community, he can do no wrong. Such a shame that so much praise is directed at such an unworthy player.
13 Oct 2011, 04:59 am
@Hurricane(Hurricane)-8: You have a feeling that I think all the NZ team is average? Is that the best you can do? If you are not posting anti-South African tripe it’s waffling like a lunatic, please spare me your dribble.
13 Oct 2011, 06:25 am
I wonder at the drugs players use to dull the pain. Surely this is dangerous to the player on pain meds and those he throws his unfeeling body into. Sooner or later we will see a tragedy due to the use of pain meds in games just like the NZ team are doing with Richie.
13 Oct 2011, 06:47 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-11:
Captain of the most successful provincial side in the southern hemisphere (perhaps the world) and captain of the most successful test side, at least in recent times…and you think he’s rubbish?
What winning percentage does a captain have to have to be regarded as any good in your towering opinion?
Can you name someone with a better record???
13 Oct 2011, 07:12 am
Tricky one this! Almost like the Boks carrying on over-the-hill Smit. Pocock is firing on all cyclinders. Is Richie at 70% really better then the next opensider? Who will step up to lead the forward pack if he can’t make it?
13 Oct 2011, 07:25 am
@gregars(gregars)-14:
Rest-assured, he doesnt think McCaw “is rubbish”.
Alucard is a Bulls supporters, ergo every player/team/manager/country outside of Neanderworld “is rubbish”.
Its a common thread with every other nikname here starting with ‘Blue’ (eg BlueAlligator, BlueDik). Its their wee ‘thing’, the Neanderworld version of ‘flash hakas’, you never know when theyre next gonna strike next.
eg ?
“Where has he ever stood tall as a leader when the team really has had it’s back to the wall?”
back-to-the-wall ?
try 95,000 screaming fans at Soweto 2010. try a lead-up specifically targeting McCaw as a, *shock horror*, “cheat’. try Boks playing after 4 weeks rest. try ABs travelling from NZ, timezones and all the *ahem* ‘travel disadvantage’. try Boks leading for 78mins. try the 1st test in SA since losing 3-0 the previous year. try the Boks, and nation, playing for the Captains 100th cap, at home.
backs-to-the-wall enough yet ?
78th min, Captain McCaw – in blistering form throughout – scores in the corner carrying 2 Boks on his back, over the line, with barely a postage-stamp of room to play with.
Boks broken.
80th min, Dagg scores the winner.
Captain McCaw, lifts TriN trophy, with 1 match in hand, at the very epi-centre of Bok Nation.
Actions speak louder than some empty words on a fans blog.
13 Oct 2011, 07:29 am
Please play Makou,he is injured and undercooked.Let’s see what Pocock does with him.
Please start with Sunni Bin Dollar aswell.
13 Oct 2011, 07:35 am
KiaKakhuis is on form again
13 Oct 2011, 07:41 am
@Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19(Fern)-17:
wow, youre really having to try hard now.
I suppose it takes a bit more effort when you dont have any
vested-interest
huh, Fornicator ?
13 Oct 2011, 07:46 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-19:
Why would I have vested interest.
Have apologised,made a statement yet about the Sky TV guy who was beaten to death in AUckland by 3 kiwi’s?
13 Oct 2011, 07:55 am
@Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19(Fern)-20:
hey Fornicator
I swear
true
honest
in the name of my 2 or 3 sons good names
that
*gulp*
I didnt do it, y’hear ?!
must try HARDER
why dont you place a bet at the TAB, that way you can have a
vested-interest
13 Oct 2011, 07:57 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-5: What a load of bollocks
13 Oct 2011, 07:59 am
well, its either gonna work out for them or its gonna blow up for them.
simples…
13 Oct 2011, 07:59 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-21:
I have friends who immigrated to Brisvegas so I will support the Aussies thus.
13 Oct 2011, 08:00 am
@once more just take a break on the beach, dear springboks, once more…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-23:
Agree 100%,no sitting on the fence on this one.
13 Oct 2011, 08:04 am
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-16: classic McCaw try
13 Oct 2011, 08:42 am
eish.
McCaw IN tandem with Read and Kaino is a far better loose trio than the Aussies, best in the world even with McCaw at 70%.
Kaino now challenges Smith as the best blindside, and Aussie were fortunate he wasn’t there in Brissy.
13 Oct 2011, 08:43 am
@stew(stew)-26: Broke my heart that one, I was sitting way up in row ZZ and could see straight away it was a try, no TMO required!
The sponsor offered a free beer to everyone in celebration of Smitty’s 100th cap, not many people took up the offer!
13 Oct 2011, 08:45 am
@Lions_Soutie(Lions_Soutie)-28: Also was at the game , was not popular after that try – my favourite McCaw try , it changed the game .
13 Oct 2011, 08:47 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-27: Juan Smith is close to the Berrick Barnes concussion category, he should rather play it safe and retire.
@poppa69(poppa69)-27: Read is probably also playing with an injury. Risky business this
13 Oct 2011, 08:50 am
@stew(stew)-29: All Blacks had an overlap the whole game, a try in the corner was inevitable. I wonder which Bok senior player was in charge of the backline defence
.
13 Oct 2011, 09:16 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-27:
pops
read about your mom.
feel for you chap.
all the best.
13 Oct 2011, 09:21 am
@Alucard(Alucard)-5: Everyone knows you’re talking ****. How does this so called “average player” win irb player of the year twice and is the most nominated. As for his leadership, there is no other captain that has a more successful win ratio. You’re just jealous!
13 Oct 2011, 09:22 am
@poppa69(poppa69)-27: Thinking about you Poppa. Take care.
13 Oct 2011, 10:09 am
He has to suck it up for 2 weeks and then have a holiday. Really don’t know what the fuss is about. Pinetree Meads played a match with a busted arm splinted together with a plank. McCaw is a legend and a sore foot won’t stop him
13 Oct 2011, 10:31 am
for what its worth the keewis report on bryce never getting to ref again:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby-world-cup-2011/news/article.cfm?c_id=522&objectid=10758694
13 Oct 2011, 11:38 am
@stew(stew)-29:
you were in Soweto ?!
13 Oct 2011, 11:47 am
Too true lads, McCaw is a fantastic player, but I would still rather see Vito play than having a 70% McCaw. Vito has been playing well alongside Kaino and with Read having a couple of games under his belt this will do him good.
Kiakaha – Greatest game I have seen by a man wearing the number 7 jersey was none other than the Ice Man – Michael Jones 1989 All Blacks vs Wallabies 2nd Test. Ran like a centre, jumped high like a lock and tackled like a demon. Different eras but I still rate Michael Jones as New Zealand’s greatest number 7.
13 Oct 2011, 11:52 am
McCaw will play,he isnt the player he once was,even worse with injury bt still very good.
Plus the ref will be on high alert at breakdown after Bryce debacle last week.
AB’s will be fine.Weepu playing well,solid forward back and will get calls at breakdown,giving them attacking momentum of their platforn-pack.And they wont throw any forward passes and even if they do they wont be called they will be “marginal”.
AB’s will win,too strong for Oz.
13 Oct 2011, 12:02 pm
@Alucard(Alucard)-12:
My anti South african tripe??
lol, oh my the amount of dribble that comes out of your mouth is about us much as my baby brother when he was teething.
Someone find Alucard his blankey, he gonna cry.
13 Oct 2011, 12:05 pm
@kelefua(kelefua)-38:
youre going on the back of Vito vs Canada ?
13 Oct 2011, 12:08 pm
@kelefua(kelefua)-38:
btw – I find it simply impossible to split McCaw and Iceman myself but I still rate MJ as my ‘Favourite Ever AB’ but only because nostalgia tends to cloud the mind.
13 Oct 2011, 12:14 pm
I don’t care what drugs they are pumping into Ritchie to kill the pain in his foot.
I don’t care if he has to go on Charlie Sheen bender, the night before the game.
If it works………………….inject it.
13 Oct 2011, 12:18 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-42:
Zinzan and Cullen are mine.
And I might add, no finer human being, or advertisement for the game, has ever pulled on The Jersey than Mils.
8)
13 Oct 2011, 12:23 pm
@poppa69(poppa69)-27:
Popps,
I have noticed the references made to your sad loss by Lilly and Gunther.
My sincere sympathy.
cane.
13 Oct 2011, 12:54 pm
@cane(cane)-44:
i remember having a run in with administrators after being drunk and pissing in public early in AB career around 03-got a rollocking from Mitchell.
But since then has been the epitome of proffessionalism. a true gentleman, a true role model especially for youth polynesians
13 Oct 2011, 14:49 pm
Gunther, Cane and Rossi. much appreciated thanks.
13 Oct 2011, 15:46 pm
@poppa69(poppa69)-47: Sympathies. Keep strong Poppa
13 Oct 2011, 16:11 pm
Respect of a nation and the rugby world must be given to McCaw playing with this injury – he truely is the Warrior and deserves his place in the rugby hall of fame.
13 Oct 2011, 23:04 pm
@cane(cane)-43:
a Keo Classic
add it to your burgeoning collection.
I prefer wall-mounted trophies myself.
14 Oct 2011, 02:59 am
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-2: Correction: 7 of his eight.
@Alucard(Alucard)-5: Another cynical baiting troglodyte who spends more time with internal examinations of his bowel lining rather than being out in the bright reality of the world…where McCaw has and does reign supreme in more ways than being a number 7 and the undisputed best AB and captain the world has seen. When he lifts Bill, sucker, we will have made more than the history we have already, we will have set records that you or I will never seen beaten in our lifetimes….so continue with your jealous little jibes like a flat chested adolescent school with big busted friends and we will just sit here and laugh at you.
14 Oct 2011, 03:53 am
@captain fantail(captain fantail)-51:
Jeez dude, but you are one arrogant muthafuka.
14 Oct 2011, 04:00 am
@Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19(Fern)-20:
They will join their whanau in jail, nothing new in NZ, scum.
14 Oct 2011, 06:46 am
@whatever(whatever)-52: Suck up your losses with dignity, unlike your lemon chewing captain who only has the balls to speak out AFTER retiring…..the Bok’s as I have said have done nothing this year at all. They embarrassed themselves, their supporters, their country and their defense of the Cup with their antics this year.
They sent out a f’n ‘B’ team as part of their ‘plan’ while 20 odd players stayed at home ‘injured’, (what a masterstroke that was eh bro) and even then I said if their little plan doesnt work they will have won ZIP for the year, lost the Freedom Cup, Ellis Plate, Tri Nations and their defense of their most prized bit (and last I might add) of silverware was lost the day we all saw them get stretched like a fat ladies undies by the Welsh team.
So you might call us scum but if we are that, which is at the bottom, where does that you place you?
Your lot butchered their chances because they thought Mornes boot would save the day but none of you woke up enough in the last four years to see that some of us had worked out that that was all you had…and that wasn’t even enough to beat the Wallabies.
Arrogant you might say, but for me there has never been enough to show that the Boks would have beaten us in 07 and definitely not this year, which is apparent to blind Freddy.
The Boks were once a mighty team that played rugby….not the ones of late that have copied the pommys blueprint from ’03. You guys got lazy because of your kicking prowess, and as amazing as it was ( and is) the need and desire to really counter/attack took second place, that hunger to run and seek the line was gone. All others had to do was improve on ball retention and cut down on penalties and you were made impotent. I remember game after game Habana was idle out wide as it was all focused around pulling the penalty.
If you look at the amount of tries that the Boks have actually run in, in comparison to others you will see the trend. Live by the sword, die by the sword.
14 Oct 2011, 06:54 am
Captain Fanny, do you feel better now?
14 Oct 2011, 07:10 am
There is a lot of merit in what you say `Captain Fantail` because the coaching staff of the Boks were tactically poor.
AT the same time, there is some thing seriously wrong in the game of rugby when the main talking point after the game is the referee as was the case with Barnes in 2007 and now with Lawrence in 2011.
No international rugby captain will speak his mind during his playing years because if he does it will end his career. If you understand the game you will understand that.
14 Oct 2011, 08:01 am
Well said Capt Fantail, jaapies hate the truth
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