New Zealand

Carpelone says...

s15rules

I am sure that he is currently much more than 108 kg.

Posted 11:47 25th June 2012

tha_mai says...

for the 'over the hill' crowd - stats from Saturday's match - he was in the first three to the breakdown 31 times, made 15 tackles and 11 assists, nine ball carries, took four lineout throws, and won two breakdown turnovers.

Obviously - he's past his best! The week before he was in first three 39 times. What a drop in performance!

ABs missed eight tackles and made 134, Ireland not short of possession; Ireland made 117 tackles, but missing 24 far too high.

Considering they played three hookers and several combinations at lock, ABs did not lose a single lineout throw in the entire three test series, though the OZ/SA/Arg lineouts will be far more competitive.

Back to Super Rugby now, then more tests, ITM Cup, more tests - wonder how many of the 'senior players' eg McCaw will be rested for that end of year tour.

Posted 10:00 25th June 2012

PTplayer says...

Slow, old, past his peak, liability, etc. You what?

Do people realise that McCaw is still getting back from extensive layoff (surgery, rehab) and that he will want to peak at the right time (in a couple of weeks - playoff of S15, RC)?

Really don't get some of the opinions expressed here, which leads me to wonder whether some comentators have ever played competitive rugby...

Posted 09:35 25th June 2012

markpat says...

From my englishman's comparison, I think McCaw moving to 6 at this stage of his career will be comparable to Richard Hill, where he was one of the best blindsides in the world.

Yes, blindsides are normally bigger than opensides, but McCaw is a pretty big openside. Also, a lot of teams now benefit from playing opensides, if one of them is big enough to be a ball carrier and ineout option as well, then great.

Sam Cane isn't the only option NZ have at 7, either, if Cane doesn't work out. Matt Todd has been outstanding for the Crusdaders this season, from what I have seen.

To the people sugestion that Messam, Thompson or Vito would be better blindsides, Vito is an 8, Messam is a 6/8 and Thompson can't play international rugby, he's an outstanding player for the Highlanders, but how many times does a player have to disappear at international level before his fans accept that it's a different game and nopt everyone can adjust?

None of those mentioned are players that you I put at 6 and be amazingly happy, which is why Kaino was the obvious choice every game. I would suggest that NZ's next true 6 will be Brad Shields from what I've seen of this year's super rugby.

Just my opinion though, as an impartial fan :-).

Posted 09:01 25th June 2012

kahui says...

Fish - I hear ur a little bitch

Posted 07:05 25th June 2012

hayj05 says...

@lacroix - A mediocre Irish side that drew with France in Paris (I'm only assuming you're French) & almost won the second test? Sure you're entilted to you opinion but It seems as though you have a chip on your shoulder judging by your many exagerrations & negative connotations in a short post. "mediocre, very poor, long overrated, didn't have a great game(in the 3rd test), sentimental reasons."

A 7 is much more than just someone that just specialises in turnovers. Maybe you should watch Richie around the park. Watch him clean out, tackle, support, & carry. He is 31, still up to international standard & is a vital part of the leadership team.

There will come a time in the future when he is not & judging by his character, he himself will probably know when it's the right time. He has an obsession over pursuit for perfection, personally & for the AB's. You can find this out by reading articles by McCaw & listening to what his team mates say about him.

I have great faith in him that he'll always make the right decisions for the team, so IMO you're way of the mark at this point in time at least...

Who knows if 6 would be a good move? But personally I would rather see Kane, & McCaw in the starting line-up than Vito, Messam, or Thompson. So I would like to see them at least try it & have the McCaw, Kane, Read combination.

Posted 04:58 25th June 2012

ruckingkiwi says...

Richie would be fine at 6, he has basically played as a ball carrier and ball playing forward for the last 2-3 years. He will have to hit a few more rucks and clean out but he could handle that fine. The nature of the game at the moment there is no point to having a classic scavenger number 7, all forwards are required to be athletic enough to get in position to slow ball and attempt steals. Even SA realise this and have dropped Brussouw.

Posted 02:01 25th June 2012

porridge_time says...

lacroix says...

Apart from a few handling errors in the secont test and losing a yard of pace McCaw is still up there with the very best.

He had an outstanding game at eight in Hamilton so I'm confused as to why you are repeatedly championing this idea that he is finished.

Posted 00:44 25th June 2012

Ripzy007 says...

It's funny how opposing fans are hoping that sam cane will take over mccaw and that it will be the last they see of mccaw....next thing we hear, they'll start calling sam 'cancheat' hahaha...don't you just hate it when you have an opposing openside flanker that terrorisies your team in the breakdown, whether its mccaw or pocock...we'll always hear of the cheating call from the opposition when they can't keep up :(

Posted 21:51 24th June 2012

Dingbat32 says...

Maybe he should retire? (just wishful thinking)

Posted 21:22 24th June 2012