McCaw the master
17 Oct 2011
MARK KEOHANE, in his weekly Business Day newspaper column, says Richie McCaw has earned the right to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
McCaw was asked, 48 hours before the World Cup semi-final against Australia, who the better player was: ‘David Pocock or yourself?’
McCaw said: ‘We’ll see after 80 minutes on Sunday.’
There was no sarcasm in his answer. It was the confirmation of the challenge of a (younger) player who has been the form opensider of the World Cup tournament.
Pocock was immense against SA, legally or illegally.
All brilliant opensiders operate on the fine line of public opinion and referee interpretation. McCaw has been the master for the last decade. Australia’s George Smith was brilliant and, if his knees last, Heinrich Brüssow will make a similar impression.
Former Bok captain Corne Krige was often quoted as saying the Test played within a Test between two specialist opensiders is far removed from anything the public sees on TV or at the ground. McCaw versus Pocock was huge. This was the grand master against the next generation of specialist ball-winning scavenger. At least it was sold as such in the week.
But that would be too simple.
As All Blacks coach Graham Henry pointed out: an opensider will always be the beneficiary of how good the loose trio is and also the dominance of his tight five. In this regard it wasn’t McCaw versus Pocock, it was the All Blacks versus the Wallabies and the result was more emphatic than a handbag grab-and-run. This was a full-on assault; a legal beating in which the All Blacks smashed the Wallabies in the collision and at the gainline.
I hate the term ‘the modern game’, so I’ll refer to it as the game played in 2011 where there is so much influence in referee interpretation and not always that much faith in the principle and application of the law.
What is not about interpretation, however, is who wins the gainline battle. That is where the game has become so much like rugby league. Win the physical dominance of who takes the ball in, and who makes that one metre in the tackle, and you have momentum that is so unlike the game of 10 years ago.
Back then it was about creating mismatches and having a fullback run at a prop. It was about more numbers on attack, and the laws at the breakdown forced a fight for the ball that ensured teams committed numbers to the breakdown.
Not any more.
The game played in 2011 allows teams to have rugby- league type defence. Mismatches are rare because most props look like centres and some even have more skill.
This was a game won with gain-line dominance. The Boks’ game (against Australia in the quarterfinal) was a game lost in that area.
Lineout statistics, field position and possession dominance have little bearing if the gainline collisions are lost.
Wales will attest to that. Sure, they were heroic and magnificent in playing 14 against 15 in a World Cup semi-final for 63 minutes but when you go 25 phases with the ball, don’t break a tackle, and can’t get an extra metre, then the credit has to go to the men dominating the collisions. France did that, even though they showed no such enthusiasm with the ball.
The All Blacks were so different in class and in ambition. Their defence was matched by an opening 20 minutes as good as you will see in a World Cup semi-final.
The All Blacks were brutal at every collision, and McCaw was either first with the tackle or the first man in support. He was colossal. I’ve tried, but there isn’t a superlative to do his performance justice. He has been functioning on desire, ambition and one leg at this tournament. The foot injury that kept him out of most of Super Rugby will require a further operation after the final. He has been imposing as a leader and as an ambassador for the game.
I often say we begrudge New Zealand more than we dislike McCaw because he isn’t one of ours. This is a guy who has won 90 of his 102 Tests, and 45 of them have been against Australia and SA . You had to be at Eden Park to appreciate his contribution fully.
Likewise his humility a minute from full time. To understand that one must remember the taunt directed at McCaw in the 2003 World Cup semi-final by Wallabies scrumhalf George Gregan as the All Blacks turned over the ball with a minute to go and the game lost. ‘Four more years,’ said Gregan.
With a minute to go at Eden Park on Sunday evening, referee Craig Joubert called a scrum, the crowd counted down the minute and the big screen focused on a McCaw and Wallabies scrumhalf Will Genia.
The New Zealand crowd chanted: ‘Four more years … four more years …’
‘What did he (Genia) say to you?’ asked a journalist at the press conference. ‘He said well done and I said thanks.’
No taunts of ‘four more years’.
‘It’s important we enjoy the win, get our feet back on the ground and respect the challenge of the French,’ added McCaw, whose most famous quote at this World Cup has been: ‘Every player has a World Cup moment … I’ve had two.’
New Zealand deserves this World Cup win and Richie McCaw deserves the appropriate World Cup moment.
He has earned it.
620 Comments
Pages: « 1 2 3 4 [5] 6 7 8 9 10 11 … 13 » Show All
17 Oct 2011, 13:16 pm
@frunobulax(frunobulax)-192: Good on you, and you are right
@cab(cab)-196: No that is why we missed old Juan Smith, he would have cleared him off the ruck
17 Oct 2011, 13:19 pm
David: it’s a simple thing, I support the AB’s, so whoever supports them, me included it’s “we”, like you would say we in reference to the boks if you so choose so.
17 Oct 2011, 13:19 pm
@JL1(JL1)-201:
maybe you right, juan smith and bakkies, but bismarck and alberts would have at least got the go-forward we needed by winning the gainline collisions, which inturn would have penetrated the aussie defense, it was so static and slow they just lined up for another tackle, i read they made over 150 tackles and then someone else said 250 – what kind of slow ponderous nonsense is that?
17 Oct 2011, 13:20 pm
@poppa69(poppa69)-200:
Congrats on reaching the final Poppa!
Have you stopped partying yet?
What is the mood in NZ like, do you guys feel the cup is now a mere formality or is the choking bogeyman hovering over all conversations?
17 Oct 2011, 13:21 pm
@mpundulu(mpundulu)-202: UGH! I feel nauseous
Turning your back on your own country!
17 Oct 2011, 13:22 pm
@Helen(Helen)-204: Thanks Helen… not in NZ so cant say what the vibe is, for me personally havent even begun partying, we still have to contest the final and its not a one horse race as so many are making out…
we’re one step closer, but we are yet to reach the finish line… and the French know how to spoil our party
17 Oct 2011, 13:23 pm
@cab(cab)-203: Also the angle of attack
No variation on the angle of running, so just too straight to penetrate
Hey but they did well for a team where the players have been coaching the team for 4 years, very well
17 Oct 2011, 13:25 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-195:
I think referring to any forward as a cheat, is ignoring the realities of the game. Name me one forward who would refuse to take advantage of a situation if he thinks the ref’s not looking. Hell, the whole of the front row is based on manipulating the ref and breaking the rules
17 Oct 2011, 13:25 pm
I am well aware of the behaviour of some of this site’s adherents (bloggers is being a bit generous) in 2007 and since. However, I wasn’t among the mudslingers, and frankly there are plenty of Kiwi regulars on Keo who are as aggressive, vociferous and one-eyed as their SA sparring partners.
I’d say Argentina and Fiji in 2007 were considerably better than they are in 2011, and England in 2007 were probably better than one of the French teams in 2011 – it all depends on which one will run out.
What I DON’T recall is many Kiwi bloggers taking the “You can only play what’s in front of you” line in 2007
17 Oct 2011, 13:26 pm
@mpundulu(mpundulu)-202:
Good.
You have to keep up your reputation as a spineless, ball-less troll.
17 Oct 2011, 13:28 pm
@JL1(JL1)-207:
yeah well actually the only time our backline’s looked any good in the last year is with frans steyn at 12, cos he actually can pass the ball and i never thought he was that great at it either. i wanted to read all the books that come out and tell it like it is, matfield wanted to captain this side so there’ll be a tell-all from him, and bismarck was furious, so there’ll be another tell-all from him too.
The next coach must cut this player power **** right out from the word go, thats the problem with being too nicey nicey.
17 Oct 2011, 13:28 pm
@poppa69(poppa69)-206:
I would imagine the whole “choking” thing is hanging over every conversation in kiwiland, much like a pair of overgrown Maori testiclles at a North Harbour orgy
17 Oct 2011, 13:28 pm
@frunobulax(frunobulax)-177: I was one of the first to congratulate chaps on the AB’s winning… I was also one of the first to wish everyone luck beforehand…
A clean game… a magnificent and deserved win…
But will not countenance match rigging and entitlement. Simple.
17 Oct 2011, 13:29 pm
Can someone explain the following to me. Pdivvie and the senior boks (#coolbandname) had a gameplan of defense and kicking. Keo and his chronies keep talking about letting go of ‘boring rugby’. Judging by the two semi-finals, Pdivvie got the gameplan right? Right?
17 Oct 2011, 13:30 pm
McCaw is a phenomenal Cheat, probably the greatest thats ever played, but there are better opensiders in the tournament, Pocock’s the best and is unbelievable at the moment and Warburton and Brussow are outstanding too.
17 Oct 2011, 13:30 pm
@David(David)-208:
Well yeah, you are not a cheat if you do not get caught.
That is the one way of looking at it.
I prefer to look at it as being a damn fine cheat!
17 Oct 2011, 13:31 pm
Yesterday almost 2000m were kicked.
17 Oct 2011, 13:31 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-213: And most of my posts otherwise are directed at Caped Crusaders… Saffa All Black Worshippers, who quite frankly need to be shot at dawn.
17 Oct 2011, 13:33 pm
@JL1(JL1)-205: Not as nauseating as a black man wearing a sprinkbok jersey… no self-respect
@Helen(Helen)-210: Spineless, ball-ess trolls?? He was quite clearly stating that he is a black SAFFA who supports the AB’s.. not the type who suckup for recognition from white SAFFAS … How are you darling/sweet thing/rose petal
17 Oct 2011, 13:34 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-218:
I agree.
These fence sitters are as irritating as a kakiebos thorn in a tampon.
17 Oct 2011, 13:36 pm
@frunobulax(frunobulax)-209: lol, I would have to agree completely, all depends on which side of the fence one stands dont you reckon?
@Helen(Helen)-212: Id think so too, we all cant beleive SA didnt win that game
but seriously, thats why many myself included were still very nervous 70 minutes into the game yesterday.. only IF we win the title will the Chokers tag be irrelevant…
17 Oct 2011, 13:36 pm
I am a Saffa All Black sycophant supporter.
I am a four letter word beginning with a c and ending in t.
Call me what I am….
17 Oct 2011, 13:37 pm
@RugbyStudent(RugbyStudent)-217:
True
It was a kick and chase game with only one try scored.
Very boring
Crowds are not paying to see that sh it.
17 Oct 2011, 13:38 pm
@Helen(Helen)-220: Sheezus, that must be irritating…
17 Oct 2011, 13:39 pm
JL1: not supporting the boks is not the same as turning my back on my country, that I’ve never done. I’ve never supported the boks and I never will.
17 Oct 2011, 13:40 pm
@youknowwho(youknowwho)-219:
Helllooo sweetie!
I see you pick your online times carefully now?
Don’t blame you for trying to avoid King Gunth. He’s been merciless of late. Much like a retrenched miner with a gold card
17 Oct 2011, 13:42 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-218: I’m sorry, but I don’t buy the rigging argument. I don’t believe any of the referees or their Grand Vizier Paddy are bent or blatantly biased. Incompetent, yes. Inexplicably protected from criticism and being held accountable – absolutely! The term used to be “royal game”. But the same can be said of many sporting codes. Both Paddy and SARU have been guilty of serving their own selfish agendas, but I can’t see it stretching to out and out corruption. There is an infinite supply of stupidity, as both Einstein and Frank Zappa attested, and it’s a far more plausible argument.
As for the Caped Crusaders, let them be. At best they’re living life vicariously, at worst they’re voyeurs.
17 Oct 2011, 13:42 pm
@mpundulu(mpundulu)-225:
So, by saying you will never turn your back on your country, what do you mean then?
Pathetic.
17 Oct 2011, 13:43 pm
Helen: you are back again! How are you my love? Helen, what’s your new mantra now since the choker tag has fizzled out? What’s your new gimmick?
17 Oct 2011, 13:44 pm
@mpundulu(mpundulu)-225:
Oh, ok, I get it.
It’s like the white south africans not supporting Bafana?
You go boy! That Madiba magic rainbow nation is not going to crash all by itself, you know. It needs whimps like you!
17 Oct 2011, 13:47 pm
@mpundulu(mpundulu)-229:
It must be fun getting through life without a pair of balls, hey?
You can cross your legs whenever you want and can wear skinny jeans to the Pride Parade.
Life is good.
17 Oct 2011, 13:47 pm
Youknowwho: how are you old friend? Toy with Helen don’t go for the jugular straight away it’s more fun that way!
17 Oct 2011, 13:47 pm
@mpundulu(mpundulu)-202:
That’s what interests me. I’m supporting the ABs in the final and in most matches where they’re not playing SA , but wouldn’t dream of referring to a New Zealander as “we”, because of it. Kiwis are a very proud people and I wonder how they feel about foreigners identifying so closely with them and their national treasure.
I remember how p*ssed off my black friends were when, in the early ’90s, contingents of black americans descended on Kippies Jazz Club in traditional African dress and talked about “we african americans”.
17 Oct 2011, 13:48 pm
Helen: we don’t sit on the fence, we are very clear, we will never be bok supporters, never!!!!!
17 Oct 2011, 13:49 pm
@youknowwho(youknowwho)-219:
you are the kind of half black supporter who wears his (XXL) all black jersey to irritate his white boss.
and then wonders why he gets drug tested twice a month and never gets called in for overtime.
17 Oct 2011, 13:50 pm
@frunobulax(frunobulax)-227: What makes a rugby ref less vulnerable or open to corruption than a soccer ref, a cricket player, a baseball player, an olympic athlete, a Tour cyclist…etc, etc, etc.?
I will tell you the answer.
Nothing.
17 Oct 2011, 13:50 pm
@mpundulu(mpundulu)-232:
You couldn’t find the jugular if it was painted luminous purple with bells on it.
17 Oct 2011, 13:50 pm
HG: let me pull you in from the deep end, what else can I do to help?
17 Oct 2011, 13:50 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-218:
….or shot with Dawn.
17 Oct 2011, 13:52 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-236:
Hmmmmm…. I am now starting to think that ET was on to something.
You and I are thinking more alike every day.
I agree, rugby is not even on the radar for match fixing, so it must be an attractive prospect for bookies who’ve been squeezed out of cricket and soccer
17 Oct 2011, 13:52 pm
@frunobulax(frunobulax)-227: As for the Cape Crusaders… let them be…
That I will do… they are free to support who they want…. and I am free to call them what they are.
17 Oct 2011, 13:53 pm
Helen 228: please clarify your point, it’s muddled, make it coherent.
17 Oct 2011, 13:54 pm
@mpundulu(mpundulu)-238: Put a revolver to your temple… pull trigger…
The least you can do…
Well, you did ask….
17 Oct 2011, 13:54 pm
@mpundulu(mpundulu)-238:
“HG: let me pull you” – mypundu
You wish!
No-one pulls HG except HG
Now, run along and get to BallsAreUs…they’re running a lunchtime special on black testicles. Get yourself a pair
17 Oct 2011, 13:54 pm
@David(David)-233:
are you sure they were real americans?
they were probably guys who had fought the ggod fight abroad all those years.
then came back with their Amercian accents and fancy clothes and proceeded to take all the best AA jobs.
understandable that there would be some gnarliness.
Just saying
17 Oct 2011, 13:54 pm
@mpundulu(mpundulu)-232:
@mpundulu(mpundulu)-234: And then you went for the jugular
@Helen(Helen)-226: Where have you been.. me and the Gunt have been chatting all morning.. he owes me a response but fked off the gather himself or catch a w ank in anticipation of your arrival
@David(David)-233: ManU supporters throughout the world say we..
17 Oct 2011, 13:55 pm
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-239: Hehehe, naah, Dawny is alright – she has cheap thrills ranging from Sunny Bulls to bearded Georgians…. She is not particular.
17 Oct 2011, 13:56 pm
Helen 230: you really believe there’s a rainbow nation? Really…….. How does it exist in harmony forgetfulness and forgiveness, you can’t possibly be that dumb or perhaps you are just that feeble minded.
17 Oct 2011, 13:56 pm
@mpundulu(mpundulu)-242:
This world must be a ‘muddled” place for someone like you trying to make sense of all these people with spines.
17 Oct 2011, 13:56 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-236:
If the reported source of the Suzie poisoning is to be believed, the bookies were already involved in the RWC back in 1995.
Pages: « 1 2 3 4 [5] 6 7 8 9 10 11 … 13 » Show All
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.