Richie McCaw: From the open side - book review

Still hidden

After John Matheson's turgid account of Richie McCaw's career up until 2009 (the title 'Richie McCaw: A tribute to a modern day football legend' should have been the main hint itself to what blandness laid in wait for me), I was pleasantly surprised to hear that Greg McGee had been given the job of writing our current captain's autobiography in 2012.

What Matheson's book didn't deliver (unless of course you wanted to trawl through an archive of every match report written by the average middle aged male sports hack of Fairfax about McCaw's stellar career to date) has been up to McGee to rectify. The book I'd been waiting for was something more personal. Something that all rugby journalists have never seemed to have the imagination to tackle.

I wanted to read about the real McCaw. How does he feel gliding among the "wee puffy clouds along the mountainous ridges that run along the edge of the Mackenzie Country" and what really makes him tick. Besides stating the bleeding obvious which is repeated ad lib in most rugby biographical articles and books about the man, (such as who coached McCaw where and what games he played when), what were the more personal aspects that have driven our number 7. Who are the parents of this freakish rugby giant? What did they do to bring someone up who was so determined? Was Watties baked beans the secret formula? Did he scrummage fence posts a la Meads or tackle sheep in the moonlight?  Was he ever depressed and did people tell him to harden up?

McGee's book has a crack, but because McCaw by nature is a humble and private hero, this book was never going to produce answers to all my questions. But there were still some nuggets in there. Brought up in the Hakataramea valley, on a cropping/pasture farm  inland of the beautiful South Island, McCaw was born on New years eve in 1980.  Being born in December means he always had a physical grunt in age grade rugby at school (read Malcolm Gladwell's 'Outliers' for more on this). So the stars were already aligned for him it seems.

"The thing that defines me 24/7 is my family," says McCaw. Personally, I would have liked a little more about his family. Don, his Dad, is the farmer; his younger sister Jo a sporting success in her own right having represented Canterbury at netball; and his mother Margaret, a teacher.  The family, like many New Zealand rural familie,s are drenched in sporting and rugby tradition. Don's done a bit of refereeing himself and Margaret's brothers are two former reps for Mid Canterbury. They help McCaw write out a list planning his rugby ambitions to become a GAB. The defining list is all jotted down on a table in the Oamaru McDonalds for a celebratory family lunch (I can only assume this was the late 1980s when most farming families - mine included - thought a flash day out was a meal at Maccy Ds).

McCaw's childhood is taken up with school, travelling to and fro, and then practising his rugby moves in the paddock out back, visualising no doubt the moments when he would kick the winning drop goal over in some far off year into the future rugby world cup final. Like most rural kids, a lot of his time is spent alone in the outdoors, and here is where I can imagine the resolve in his ambition is truly born. There have been other All Blacks from the Kurow area and so he notes, his dreams are already doable. "All us kids knew we had All Blacks from our neck of the woods who were farmers and locals, just like us, so had it in the backs of our minds that to rise so high wasn't completely impossible".

The book alternates between the near present and the distant past. Unlike Matheson's match by match statistical approach, we are treated to only a few of the seminal match reports (you can guess which ones),  and what was running through his mind emotionally and strategically during these nail biting tests. Then there's the fallout from Cardiff in 2007 - what McCaw really thought of Wayne Barnes's performance that day (not much) and the great coaching venn diagram that was Henry V Deans with McCaw stuck in the middle that came in its wake. 

Of course, we now know that McCaw went with Team Ted.  McCaw finds it rather hard to stomach when an Auckland cab driver announces he'll be supporting the Wallabies now the NZRFU have chosen Ted over the Australian bound Deans. "What is the world coming to when an Aucklander tells me he'll be supporting Australia because the Canterbury coach has gone?"

McCaw briefly dwells on the rugby men he admires, and this is rare given that his post match speeches are always very All Black centric.  Strikingly he returns frequently to the French no 7 Thierry Dusatoir in constant complimentary terms. "Dusatoir is bigger, faster and completely indomitable (compared to Betsen). He can fetch, carry, dominate the tackle and clean out. And worryingly, I've never seen a bead of sweat on the man." He has good words to say about Schalk Burger and even Nathan Sharpe - although he is not overly impressed with the Wallaby set up, claiming that they (unlike the Springboks) no longer want to meet after the match for a few beers since the Deans era started. He relishes the opportunity to play for the Baa Baas alongside some of his frequent foes: George Gregan, John Smit and Jean de Villiers "are all pretty good men - you have to be to stay in top level rugby for any level of time."  I wonder how long McCaw thinks Quade Cooper will be around for then. I suspect he thinks that Quade will get his beans.

For his own team mates there is a high level of respect for the men that played closely with him in the great era of 2005-2007.  Particularly Rodney So'oialo and Jerry Collins. And when both warriors drop in form, an insight....when the heart is not in it anymore, the body and form is quick to follow. Also, a shadow hangs. It must be heavy to watch your team mates of your prime begin to flounder. It must bring to mind your own rugby lifespan.   "There's a real sadness over the demise of Rodders...he has been one of our best for so many years, always combative, super-fit, tough. I've become used to him being there and doing what he's always done.  It's been a surpise, like Jerry, that he's hit the wall so fast. It's not through lack of willpower, but sometimes the conscious mind seems unable to force the unconscious to go to the painful places any more. I hope that if that time comes for me, I'm the first to see it."

The Dan Carter allegiance is touched on although Richie seems to have more of a friendly connection with loose cannon Ali 'spiderman' Williams whom he flatted with while Williams played for Canterbury (McCaw did the cooking -  meat and three veg most nights for tea, or on a more adventurous evening - spag bol. Ali did the dishes).

His relationship with the quieter Carter could be interpreted as two business associates who have a synchronicity and great level of understanding on the field. Both have the weight of a country's expectations on their shoulders. Both from small rural outposts and not born too far from each other, the respect for Carter is apparent throughout the book.  From feeling the pain for Dan and his heartbreaking withdrawal through injury from the RWC in 2011 through to McCaw asking Dan to seriously consider resigning with the All Blacks after 2007 when he knows the European sharks are circling for the number 10's signature. There is a name for a relationship that lives itself in so many parallels like this.  That their names will forever be entwined in rugby almanacs in the future.

There are touches of humour in the book.  Byron Kelleher is "an ideal halfback personality, but a man who never leaves a thought unsaid." On Brad Thorne, "I'd been giving Brad a bit of shit that he was Bakkies' twin, and they do have a certain resemblance, helped by their reliance on God, presumably in different incarnations, to bless them in creating mayhem against one another."  And little digs throughout at the style of rugby the English rugby team play (to be expected, but still edifying to read).

McCaw takes a satisfying swing at a horrid little New Zealand rugby hack, and although he doesn't mention the name, we all know it's Chris Rattue he's taking aim at, and for that Richie, we salute you and feel relieved you feel the same way too. We hear about McCaw's father's ominous feeling before the Cardiff game in 2007 and Don and Jo rushing security at the end of the match so that they can be there for their son and brother. (That little section brought a tear to my eye).

Obviously, a chapter is dedicated to the devastation of his hometown's tragic destruction during the Christchurch earthquake of 2011.  The post traumatic stress many of his team mates go through as they battle to win (and fail) another super rugby title. McCaw was with Kieran Reid eating sushi in a cafe when the earthquake struck. (Sushi! You can almost hear Richard Loe's Waikato Draught going down the wrong way when he read that one).

No book would be complete without the other love affair in McCaw's life. Gliding.  It is no secret that his Grandfather Jim was a fighter pilot in the second world war and screeds have already been written about his grandfather the war hero. 

Gliding is in McCaw's blood.  His family are heavily involved in the local gliding club and within 48 hours of touching down in NZ after the autumn internationals in the northern hemisphere, like clockwork, McCaw turns up at Omarama airfield, eager to lower himself into the Discus cockpit. Here he can forget rugby and relishes the environment where he is treated like a normal dude, without the starry eyes of a New Zealand rugby public trying to get their modern day autographs on their mobile phones (of which I am embarrassed to admit, I have played my part).

McCaw's gliding tutor and friend Gavin Wills believes he can predict who of McCaw's girlfriends will last. 'Gavin gives them the speech about my future as an ace glider pilot and watches their eyes glaze over." Maybe it's an indicator for the future Mrs McCaw.  It's going to be hard enough to crack into McCaw's inner circle let alone be accepted by the New Zealand public. One gets the feeling that any woman who wants to take up with McCaw is going to be seen somewhat as New Zealand's version of Yoko Ono. 

McCaw's pragmatic nature does come across however, even on the subject of falling in love. "Love isn't something you can find by focusing harder on or by crunching numbers or making radical changes to how you go about things. Public recognition doesn't help: half the women run a mile and the ones who are attracted to that sort of thing are probably the ones I should avoid! Like everyone else, I've just got to wait until it happens, and like everyone else, I'll need a bit of luck to meet the right person, and to know it when I do."

This pragmatism is probably what keeps McCaw single. What time is there for love when you have world cups to win, number one rankings to maintain and a vicious rugby public that will eat you alive if you so much as hint at failure... not to mention the modern day gladiators you have to contend with in a blood bath nearly every Saturday night for the best part of each year. It all takes focus and selfishness to be the best in the world. When you're this good, there can't be a lot of time for much else.

Rugby and the attitudes towards the game and the players have moved on due to McCaw's and Henry's stewardship. Good people make good rugby players has been the mantra. And maybe this is why McCaw's autobiography, even though well written, still does not deliver on all things we really want to know about the man. McCaw is aware of the responsibility he carries and unlike other hotheads, is not going to find himself drunkenly gatecrashing a wedding reception semi naked and doing a haka on the dancefloor (although let's face it, who wouldn't rather enjoy that). He has dignity and is a private person. For this reason, as much as I absorbed and enjoyed every word of this book, I am still left with a longing to know more about him. Maybe when McCaw's rugby days are in the distant past, and the final chapters are added to this well meaning bio, we will get the cadence on the history of the man that so many of us in this country adore.

Greg McGee - interview about Richie McCaw

All Blacks and Ireland 2012

On the eve of test two for the All Blacks of 2012, a few thoughts.

1. How good was this NZ backline? Offset by a Number 9 who finally looks like they can pass faster than Justin Marshall (that in itself is not a tall order at all….but we’ve had such a plethora of sluggish half backs with their inaccurate passing in the last decade, I was beginning to doubt I would ever see the day that NZ would produce someone that could even just have a hint of the Gregan in them).



2. Savea. That’s all. Just Savea.


3. Great to have Dan Carter back steering the ship, supported by the ever sturdy, ever dependable Conrad ‘runs an intelligent line’ Smith – who as it turns out has won 50 of the 56 tests he has played for NZ. This in itself is a world record. What can I say? The man is Taranaki born and bred.


4. Why does Adam Thomson do that wind wiper thing when he is on the lucky end of receiving a try? Can’t stand the guy….sorry Slugso, know you love him, but he’s no Kaino, and his showboating is hard to take.


5. Speaking of showboating….what is Ali Williams doing in this team? From the moment he snatched the Webb Ellis trophy out of McCaw’s hands at the world cup presentation last year, my patience finally wore out for this particular journeyman. Yes, he was good in his day, but he is past it now. Why Williams is allowed to stand in the front row of the haka and do the most am-dram rendition is beyond me. Probably his bezzie mate status with McCaw is protecting him somewhat. However, he doesn’t deserve to be in the All Blacks anymore.


6. The Irish weren’t as bad as the scoreline predicted. Often they had it over our forwards and took us to the wire in the back row.


7. In saying that – I wish they would stop moaning about how tired they are because they’ve been playing for 11 months. It is such a poor excuse. The All Blacks often have played for 11 months when they made the trip to the UK for the end of year autumn internationals. And you didn’t hear them complaining much about being tired.


8. So the Irish are already done and dusted. The series will be 3-zip. Well… that is according to every arm chair critic in the country. The flames are fanned of course from the parochial and arrogant NZ media (Chris Rattue, a ‘commentator’ who has had to eat his words more times than I have banged on about Robbie Deans being a traitor). Best remember people ‘pride becomes before a fall’. And to dip further deeper into my carpet bag of clichés: ‘It ain’t over till the fat lady sings’.


9. It would be nice if Richie McCaw acknowledged the opposite team a little more. It is so important to be gracious in victory and defeat (well, for the most part, unless of course Wayne Barnes has been officiating…then it is fine to blame the ref).


10. It should be another emotional night with it being the first test match back in Christchurch since the earthquake. I hope it turns out to be a spectacular one in the best possible way for everyone concerned.

We knocked the bastard off! France V New Zealand RWC 2011 final

And when I say bastard, I mean the big RWC monkey off our backs....not France (who were simply magnificent).

New Zealand 8 - France 7
8-7.... 87? Spooky

What can I say about this match. It was the most traumatic, harrowing 80 minutes of rugby I have ever had to endure and I swear to God that at half time, my heart beating hard in my chest, sweat dripping off my red face, I had to go and put my head under a cold tap. "What would I rather?" I thought to myself as I looked at the wheezing female staring back at me in the mirror."Death from a rugby induced stroke? Or the All Blacks losing this thing..once again to our nemesis."

When France lined themselves up in a v for victory formation, hands tightly clasped with each other as they approached Kapa o Pango, flirting with an IRB fine, but more importantly responding to the haka in a thrilling challenge,  all New Zealand supporters took a big gulp. Without a single ball being kicked, we knew that the mythical A game that France manages to produce every so often (mainly when their backs are against the wall and they are playing the All Blacks in a world cup knockout) were going to turn up today.

And man, did they what!  Every French player on that field equalled or shaded their opposite number, led by their inspirational and fearless back row, Harinordoquay, Dusatoir (a man of the match performance) and Bonnaire.  They were mighty, effectively shutting down All Black stars, and in the second half, they grew in confidence as they felt the wind at their backs, the warm Auckland night air on their faces and the sniff of victory. They had silenced the 16th man. They were gearing up for yet another dramatic (and entirely typical) French upset.

How the heck did the All Blacks manage to hold on? Through sheer dogged will power and the fear of losing? Or as Wayne Smith said - through the heart that beats under the fern. Also through a  magnificent captain who fought on one foot to the bitter end. While others were losing their heads, feeling the hands of history tightening across their collective throats, as they fell off tackles, missed goal kicks and just generally went missing, inspirational McCaw, the heart and soul of this great team led his men bravely up onto Hilary's step, onto the summit of his own personal Everest. He was not going to die on the cliff. He was not having any of it. (My only criticism of McCaw is that he did not acknowledge the French immediately after the game in his speech on the pitch.  I wish that he would have done this).

I live in London and after reading the British papers this morning, the northern hemisphere is distinctly poo pooey about this wonderful, long awaited and deserved world cup victory for the All Blacks (the only team unbeaten in this tournament and the top try scorers by quite some way and playing with our 4th choice fly half). "Joubert had a shocker" the pompous Surrey soaked Daily Telegraph readers screamed.  I could taste the stench of their sour grapes at the back of my throat. Whatever paper you picked up, it was all the same. The French deserved to win this one, they were robbed. By the ref. By New Zealand passion and desperation. By our cheating number 7. It was a fix, it was this, it was that. The media were different to the people I met on the streets yesterday and the lovely people in my office today (yes, it's a miracle, I did manage to drag myself into work this morning) who have been very kind and congratulatory these last few days. Maybe it is only morons (like me) that go onto these message boards.....

The fact was, this game was not pretty. But it was riveting and absorbing. Some are daring to say the greatest World Cup final ever.  How fitting that it should be after one of the greatest rugby world cup tournaments.

Then, thirty six minutes into the final, and one of the great stories of rugby redemption in the tournament. When Aaron Cruden limped off after crumbling to the ground after an encounter with a French washing machine, Stephen Donald started his warm up stretches on the sideline. Mr Average, Donald Duck they have called him in the (god awful) NZ rugby media and on the streets from Kaitaia all the way to Invercargill.  In Babel (the New Zealand supporter filled pub I was sitting watching the game in Clapham) a collective groan  richocheted around the walls as Donald ran onto the field. But then we started clapping for the man, encouraging him on, willing him on 20,000 kilometres away. He was our final hope.

And in what could have been our darkest hour, he surprised us all. A searing little line break, a kick into French territory when the All Blacks were defending yet again in the dangerous red zone, and finally a penalty that almost missed, but didn't. The man that made his world cup debut in the world cup final, in 50 minutes had transformed from zero to hero.

And so what of us, the fans?  I have imagined for many years what it would feel like to see an All Black team lift the Webb Ellis trophy after 1987.  And when that final whistle came, the feeling was strange. For me, it was as if I had experienced a huge shock and I wasn't quite sure how to take it. Then the relief began to surge through my veins and as Richie held that cup aloft his head and kissed it ever so sweetly, finally the realisation that the dream of our stadium of four million, the dream that we thought we might never live to see, had finally come true.

  Is Tom Scott psychic? This cartoon appeared in Saturday's paper - a day before the final

All Blacks book their place into the RWC 2011 final (it's been a long time coming)

Ted 1  - Deans 0

I'll write a few words later when I have calmed down and stopped crying tears of joy. Well done you mighty All Blacks. Bloody well done!

What Stephen Jones said...

Is this our time?

Richie

As an All Black supporter I have danced the highs and lows following my great team for many, many years. On the eve of our biggest world cup game this tournament, I feel nervous and I am ashamed to admit, I am preparing myself for the worst. Not because I think the All Blacks deserve to or should lose. Just because we have been here so many times before. As we saw today with Wales, sometimes the best team does not win in this awful yet exhilerating tournament.

But still, I have three bullet points that all New Zealand supporters could do by remembering in these next few hours and in the aftermath of tomorrow's game:

• Whether we win or lose tomorrow, let us be gracious about it.
• The All Blacks have been near invincible for over 100 years, with or without Daniel Carter
• No matter what the outcome, I will always support the All Blacks. I am not a fair weather rugby supporter. This team is one of my main passions in life, and I am behind them 100% of the way. I will not spit at the fly half, write 'losers' on their baggage as they go through an airport, or demand the coaches head on a plate if we lose. I won't rant on message forums that everything we did in the preceding years building up to this tournamnet was wrong and woeful. Graham Henry and his players have done their utmost best. They will do everything in their power tomorrow to win. And I will remain with them, no matter the outcome.

All Black game plan against the Wallabies revealed - RWC 2011

Pool A: New Zealand 37 - France 17

A Statement of Intent

When Daniel Carter lined up for a drop goal into the second half, neatly slotting the ball through the posts, he told the world: "We've learned our lessons from 2007 - beware."

This game was highly emotional. I was blubbing like a baby during the national anthems (which incidentally are so beautiful with that gorgeous voiced RWC choir).  The stadium looked amazing. It was our stadium of four million to say: ‘our time is now’.

What were my highlights? The first half saw clinical, beautiful rugby played by the men in black.  Forward and backs alike tackled like men possessed, wrestled and won at the breakdown, and when they broke the line, they made it count in points.

As usual, the incredible centre pairing of Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu (who is rapidly becoming my player of the tournament) were at the heart of things, with Smith tackling everything that dared move and Nonu cutting apart a flappy French defence.

Israel Dagg showed why he was picked over Mils at 15.  The man makes magic from nothing. I hope his injury is nothing worse than a niggle, because we need him. In saying that, we have a more than worthy backup in Muliaina and I do hope that the veteran will be allowed at some point to finish his All Black career with two more caps.

France started so well and I really thought after the first half that if they had scored first we might have been in for shades of 1999 again. Alas for France, it wasn't to be this time, on a highly emotional night for an All Black team seeking revenge and celebration for their centurion captain.

And what of Richie McCaw?  Well any talk of him losing his form is complete cobblers. The man was everywhere tonight, and that is why we love you so Richie. You fight and graft until the death. You wear your rugby heart on your sleeve and it has been an honour to watch you over these years, and to have you in the team that we support. We are blessed and you are bloody magnificent. And was that a tear in his eye when he received his 100th cap from Jock Hobbs?  Our captain cries on cue too. Is there anything he can't do?

As for Lievremont and his team in white.  They showed some spirit to come back in that second half and will they be too worried about going into the northern hemisphere side of the draw? Still, maybe the French didn't really want to throw this one either.  An angry French fan had words with Lievremont after the test where the French coach, character to the end, gave it back.  In the end it was reported a security guard had to step in.

My honourable mentions tonight: Nonu, Weepu (how good was he tonight, I take it all back Piri), Dan the man, McCaw, Smith, Kaino, Whitelock and SBW. 

Inside the All Black jersey - documentary

This behind the scenes documentary of the All Blacks was filmed during the successful 2010 All Black Grand Slam tour of the Northern Hemisphere. Cut down into five episodes, the main players featuring will probably participate on Saturday against France for RWC 2011.

It's a real insight into the All Black camp and the way they prepare for each match. Something that all international rugby teams, players and coaches alike visiting NZ will be going through right now.

Inside the Black jersey - episode 1 'The Captain - Richie McCaw'


Inside the Black jersey - episode 2 'The Munster test (with Ali Williams -The Joker)'


Inside the Black jersey - episode 3 'The rookie' - Kieran Reid (not such a rookie anymore).


Inside the Black jersey - episode 4 'The coaches'


Inside the Black jersey - episode 5 'The playmaker (Dan Carter)'

7 cliches of RWC 2011 that I would be happy never to hear again

"Ireland have turned this world cup on it’s head" quoted 1,570,899 times in the last day by all newspapers in the British media.

"It depends what French team turns up on the day" said 700,000 times (mainly by Sean Fitzpatrick).

"France have become the All Blacks’ nemesis"  said by 4 million New Zealanders on a daily basis since Cardiff 2007.

"Chokers" said 5 billion times, mainly by Australians and a lot of fairweather rugby 'fan's from around the world who are only rugby  'experts' when a world cup is on.

"Can the All Blacks get this monkey off their back?" said 508,789 times by anyone that doesn't have anything original to write in their newspapers (mainly stuff and NZ herald journalists).

"Stop this mindless rotation!" Stuff and NZ Herald journalists again. Guys, write some new copy would you?

"Without McCaw and Carter the All Blacks are doomed." All of us, all of the time. (Too many times to tally).

RWC 2011 - a week in quotes

Australia 25 - All Blacks 20

Trinations decider 2011 - Suncorp Stadium - Brisbane

The omens are not looking good for an All Black team that creaked into gear after a scintillating start by Australia.  This game had many ups and downs.  Some moments of pure genius and joy (the Australian backline). And also some moments of complete crap (the entire All Black team in the first half, bar Nonu who played like a hero when all around him were losing their heads and blaming it on each other).

We were beaten by a better team who were more committed. The New Zealand backline cannot match this Wallaby backline which is just sensational. What I would give to have a Will Genia on our team when what we have in place is Piri Weepu who seems to think a great tactic is waving his arms around a lot and shouting meaningless instructions instead of grabbing the ball from the bottom of a ruck and releasing it - quickly - to his backs.

When it comes to karma, I do so hope that it catches up with Quade Cooper next month.  What is his obsession with Richie McCaw?  Anyone that knees the New Zealand captain in the head is no friend of mine, ever again.

Other depressing things about this game?  Keiran Reid is injured. Possibly Richie too. Dan had a shocker, particuarly in the first forty. There were several All Blacks on the field who looked passed their used by date. Is this All Black team too old with our Brad Thornes and Ali Williamses.  And what of Mils Muliaina. He has been a great servant to NZ but I have been saying for a year at least that he is selfish with the ball, and slow.  He cannot be the first choice fullback when Israel Dagg is in the wings. But he will, because with Woodcock, Graham Henry loves these two incumbents. I think this loyalty is misplaced. One last moan. Zac Guildford. I haven't seen him play well when the chips are down. My heart today is breaking for Hosea Gear.

Glimmers of hope?  I've never really see Victor Vito play before, and I thought for a young, inexperienced All Black, he stepped up to the mark.  Ditto Nonu who was my man of the match. It was heartening to see an All Black fight back and we did win the second half (grasping at straws now). As for that old NZ foe Wayne Barnes?  I give him a pass mark.  I don't think he did too badly at all. Plus - he's no longer New Zealand's main foe. That baton has been passed on now, to Robbie Deans and his young team of Wallaby young guns.

Watch a post match interview with Graham Henry to see what he thought of the game

All Blacks V South Africa B - Tri-nations 2011

New Zealand 40 - South Africa 7

Wellington

First thoughts

There's more to follow with Slugso's magical infography but I just wanted to jot down a few meanderings after watching this game in Lazio with a very over excited Italian commentary.

I felt for this Bok B team. They've been used by P-Divvy as sacrificial lambs and didn't their faces show it by the end of the game.  They were really quite inept, and I can't understand how a team with such rugby mana could be so useless, particulary in their backline attack.

The All Blacks looked quite good by my standards although a quick trawl of the New Zealand papers and you'd think the world has fallen around us with such a mediocre performance.

Unlike the bah-hum-bug middle aged grumps that work for Fairfax however, I took heart from a lot of things. Dan Carter for example was back to his ghosting best although his kicks at goal left a lot to be desired. I can forgive him that though. He looked the Dan of old in the field of play and he's back to all time world rugby points scorer, overtaking a certain Mr Wilkinson, so I'm happy to cut him some slack (just this once mind ;-)

Our backs, particularly our wings and Conrad Smith looked fantastic.  Cory Jane (why ever was he put into the reserves in the first place) was my man of the match. He steadied the ship and he surely deserves to be in the first team, as a wing or as fullback. Zac Guildford showed some nice speed and Conrad Smith did what he did best (excuse me while I pull out this cliche) and ran some good intelligent lines.

The forwards were their usual steady selves and it was good to see us back on top of the breakdown stats again. It was particularly heartening to see the Ali Williams of old take to the field and not come off through injury.

Overall this was a good performance, although admittedly, they were playing boys. I have a few gripes. I'm still not happy with Muliaina as first choice full back. Ditto our two half backs, but what can you do when there's no-one better on the sidelines.  Number 9 is our absolute weak point in this team and has been for some time now.

Watch this space on ruggerblogger, there will be more to come in the next few days.

NEW ZEALAND 40 (Zac Guildford 2, Cory Jane 2, Wyatt Crockett, Colin Slade tries Daniel Carter 2 cons 2 pens) bt SOUTH AFRICA 7 (John Smit try Morne Steyn con) at Westpac Stadium. Referee: Alain Rolland

Doing Christchurch proud - Crusaders V Stormers

Spirit. The Canterbury Crusaders were always wonderful footballers, but today as the rain beat down in South Africa, and they played yet another 'away' match to get themselves into the Super Rugby final of 2011, they showed their heart and their spirit.

A year where the city of Christchurch has been decimated. Where the people of the city are leaving in droves, fearful for their lives, aware that they live on land that is on a heaving, breathing timebomb. The Crusaders rugby team, one of the greatest rugby teams admittedly of all time, showed why they have always been champions.

Today they played for their families, their friends and the people of their city. They have not played a home game, travelling all season to far flung places to fight and to give people a glimmer of enjoyment from lives that have been riddled with fear and grief, and more fear. I didn't think that they would win against the Stormers in South Africa. I thought this was going to be one journey too far, one final too much.

I was so wrong and I am so pleased to be proved so. Tonight the Canterbury Crusaders played their hearts out. Brave in attack. Lion hearted in defence. Their forwards, magnificent. Burly south africans - put on the rack, by a sturdy, ferocious Cantabrian scrum. In attack, the backs ran through gaps and defended with every last inch of their being.There were no stars tonight. This was a team of men, playing for each other and their people back home.

I'm very proud to be a New Zealander today. I don't care if the Crusaders win or lose the final next week against the Queensland Reds (who are a fantastic side incidentally).  They have come this far. They have been heroic, hopeful, stoic, good. All the qualities that the greatest of New Zealanders are known for.

It may be an Everest we have to climb next week, but if the Crusaders beat the Reds in Brisbane, after all the many Super Rugby titles this champion side have won in the past; this will be the sweetest and most glorious of victories.

Please read the article below I have linked to. It typifies what I want to say but what I don't have the eloquence to write in this moment: Crusaders shine a beacon of hope for Christchurch's suffering citizens (UK Independent online newspaper)

Richie McCaw IRB Player of the year 2010

Sorry - I know I signed off for a few months but I had to come back for one last glorious gloat. R.McCaw - IRB international player of the year - for the third time in a decade! Does this mean the man is the greatest rugby player of the decade? I think so, I mean who else has ever done that (not Brian O'Driscoll BTW).

S0, sorry Stephen Jones and http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/ and Brian Moore and Stephen Charvis and Jeremy Gusgott and Jonathan Davies and Bob Dwyer and Robbie Deans and Rob Andrew and Hugh Farrelly and Stephen Ferris and all the other non-rugby playing hacks and rugby player third graders that had a moan about him. 

The IRB has spoken, and tonight (only tonight) I give him Moses status. Richie McCaw one of the greats. Almost greater than Richard Hill (yeah right) and dare I say it, greater than NZ's version of MJ - Michael Jones. Possibly, the All Black of our history. And I was honoured enough to meet him and watch him play.

Well done R.McCaw. Well done.

The autumn internationals - round up

Chris Rattue loves to complain but moaning that these autumn tests are meaningless and a waste of time surely shows up his true ineptitude when it comes to his knowledge of rugby. For an All Black supporter, it is always a joy to watch New Zealand play the northern hemisphere teams. The crowd atmospheres are always electric, the operatic hyperbole in the British and Irish media is better than front row seats at Covent Garden, and the All Blacks get to play teams that are not South Africa and Australia.

November is my favourite time of the year rugby wise, and the 2010 autumn internationals (as they like to call them up north) did not fail to disappoint again. As this great month closes and the snow threatens to announce a long winter in England, I reconcile myself to the fact that I will have to go back to the grindstone, rather than surreptiously surfing rugby sites at work.  So it's a good a time as any to sum up and take stock of the winners and losers of November.

Favourite moments: SBW's offloads, Dan Carter's goal for the world record number of points and the small smile he allows himself as he makes his way back to the team, Jerome Kaino's crunching tackles, Brian O'Driscoll's one handed scoop to score a try against the ABs (is it just me, or are more players now trying to do the one handed SBW arm than ever before - like Meads in the past - holding a ball with one hand just makes you look a bit sexier), Keiran Reid defying gravity and making the British media rave about an All Black loose forward, Scotland beating South Africa and denying them a grand slam, the minutes silence in the Millennium Stadium for the Pike miners. Oh - and an All Black slam under the greatest coach (IMHO) in All Black history - Graham Henry.



New rules mean new dimensions for the Pacific Islands: Fiji and Samoa showed up the home nations this year but rather than this meaning the home nations are on a downward slide, I think it illustrates that the game's new laws have given teams that play free flowing rugby an edge up (ok, I realise I've just stated the obvious there). I expect all the Pacific Island teams to play well in the World Cup, and some of them to create a few upsets.

England might be a force to be reckoned with come October 2011.  So they were outmuscled by a South African team in disarray. Neither teams really showed an ounce of attacking flair on Saturday but this was a grinder of a test match and it was still highly entertaining to watch.  England are definitely on the up with some new backs that are not afraid to try a few new things.  But they shouldn't give away the skills by which they have always been defined. By all means, try and play attacking rugby. It will please the crowd and draw some respect from the opposition, but scrummaging and stick it up the jumper style is what they're best at. If they can get both things going, they might be in with a shout. Might.

England are still annoying: I respect Martin Johnson. He wears his heart on his sleeve, the big gruff bear that he is. But there are some people in the English team that are just little tantrum throwers. Matt Banaham (the battering ram) showboating before he's touched down for a try.  Yeuch.  Ben Foden throwing his toys out of the cot when a decision doesn't go England's way by throwing the ball down on the ground and stamping his feet like an annoying little three year tot. Not cool and not likeable. Also, one win against Australia and all of a sudden, they're world beaters. They talk a great game but walking it is a different matter.

Coming of age for NZ: Loved SBW for Scotland. Thought Toeava redeemed himself. Kaino and Read are up there with McCaw now. Whitelock and of course, the best of all - Hosea Gear who is the ultimate finisher in the world (bad news for Joe). These guys are no journeymen, they're the real deal, and they made me proud to be an All Black supporter.

World conspiracy against McCaw: Ok. I'm getting sick of this now.  How can McCaw be the biggest cheat yet for the third time be nominated for IRB player of the year. More than that, how does he remain cool on the field when he is consistently being niggled by off the ball cheap shots?  And then as the game ends, the jealous and incompetent really get going by taking pot shots at him in the press. With not much due respect at all to Stephen Ferris (an Irish flanker that will never amount to anything on the rugby field) and all the other rugby playing scribes out there - a word of advice. Maybe you should do your talking on the field rather than in the papers. Then New Zealand might start respecting you.

Australia are the new France: Erratic and then brilliant.  Kurtley Beale a superstar in the making, Drew Mitchell and James O'Conner are up there too. They sliced France apart last night and are looking good for the world cup - if only they get their scrum issues sorted.  A final word about Deans, call me provincial, call me a yokel, but the man is a traitor as evidenced by his backhanded wind up about All Black cheating this week.  How you can actually do this to people that you once coached and were presumably close to in the past, I'm not sure. He's shown his true colours once and for all.

The home nations played some good rugby: They always step up when playing against the All Blacks, I think the New Zealanders bring the best out of them.  It wasn't good enough again, but all the games (bar Scotland) were exciting and nervewracking this year. My favourite was the Irish game. I think both teams played some exceptional rugby.

Peter de Villiers should go: Yes - the Springboks beat England well. But they struggled against Wales and Ireland and did the unthinkable by losing to Scotland (no offence to Scotland who appear to be on the up). Plus, there is the small matter of those players being sent home for drug cheating. I'm surprised there has not been more commotion around this actually. Of course, everyone that isn't South African is very happy to see this loose cannon of a coach stay on board till the World Cup, but two players testing positive for banned drugs? I don't think the omens are good for the Bokke with this motor mouth at the helm.

So many things and I'll think about 100 more before the night it through, but it's time for me to sign off for the year. I'll see you in Feb for the super 15 and the build up to the tournament that I dare not believe we will win because judging by past heartbreaks, why would I now?

Zero to hero

NZ 26 - England 16
Toeava makes up for Hong Kong sins

A composed debut from a league superstar who happens to like the odd boxing match. A crap game by an aging wing who singlehandedly let the English back into a game which should have been in the can at half time. A good turn out from an England team wanting to add some more strings to their bow. A heroic save and a few scintillating runs from a man that last week was enemy number two with the New Zealand public. Oh, and a bunch of English rugby supporters reaching for the superlatives after their team lost to the All Blacks by 10 points.
But go figure!

For the All Blacks, the opening minutes of this match had all the signals of a walk over where a Hosea Gear try off the back of an inspired Dan Carter move and Sonny Bill Williams offload had New Zealand rugby supporters high fiving. Moments later, it looked like a walkover would ensue when Kieran Reid powerfully surged over the English line, leaving the puffed up white roses scratching their heads in the wake of the fighting test buildup talk they couldn't stop doing in the papers this week.

Like Hong Kong, The All Blacks looked smooth and ready to click into a white moment, playing some irresistable rugby. And maybe they would have if it hadn't been for Joe Rokocoko. Of course, the poor guy can't singlehandedly take the blame for letting the English back into the game, but he gave them a rather good helping hand with a series of stupid mistakes before halftime. Was that Joe's swansong I wonder?

New Zealand also weren't helped by some poor decision making from some of their allegedly more astute backs. It always pains me when they decide to run the ball from their own try line, and little chip kicks to the opposition when you're in your own 22?  You've got to be having a laugh - right Muliaina?

The English, to pay them their dues, did come out with the intent to play positive rugby.  And as the mistakes began to mount for the men in in black, the partisan crowd at Twickenham sniffed an upset.  Even down to 14 men however, the rattled New Zealanders managed to hang on.

Highlights?  Toeava's cameo - he more than attoned for his mistakes of Hong Kong, and the try saving tackle on Shontanye Hape was what the doctor ordered, if not completely bound. Sonny Bill was rather good too I thought. Am I buying into all the hype? Probably. But he has definitely added a sense of extra possibility to the backline.  Dan was back to his slick best and Richie, quite naturally, was in the thick of it. Even telling tales to the ref on Dylan Heartley. 

The English had some exciting new caps on the field that will grow in time and they played the scrums well with the ref - so of course they can take a lot of positives from the game.  But I'd hardly call them a world threat yet. For a start, playing at Twickenham is a little bit different to playing in Christchurch.  And it is now nine years since they've turned the All Blacks over. Time ticks on then.

Oh, and all the tries were scored by New Zealanders...but now I"m just wumming right?

Richie Mccaw



The wheat from the chaff

All Blacks 23 - Wallabies 22
Sydney

The Wallabies had everything to play for after their energising victory in South Africa a week earlier.  Sure, they would be tired but at home, playing against a Carterless New Zealand outfit that had the Tri Nations in the bag, this test was always going to be a good chance for them.

And for a long time in this match it really looked like they were going to do it.  With stars like Kurtley Beale and Lachie Turner in the Australian backline, the green and golds looked the more threatening team with ball in hand in the first half.  They were assisted by an All Black side that was playing at its worst.  Errant lobbing passes, butter fingered passing, wayward kicking. It just wasn't clicking for us.

For New Zealand there was also no rub of the green in this test. I'm sure Australian rugby supporters would disagree with me, but it appeared that Mark Lawrence missed an awful lot and the bounce of the ball was definitely going Australia's way.   And incidentally, who else isn't tired of the merciless hate campaign being waged against Richie McCaw.  It seems that now whenever the All Blacks win, it's all down to McCaw getting away with murder. Well here's a note to all the McCaw knockers. It's not the case.  Our number 7 is simply streets better than your number 7 so nya nya nya nya nya. Stick that one up your jumper and please stop moaning!

Cruden's first start has been heavily criticised.  An altogether smaller guy than anyone else on the pitch, he was bullied heavily by the Ozzies off the ball.  I think he showed some nice touches however and showed some resilience.  Colin Slade coming on in the last twenty injected a new dimension and I'm glad he shone.  I've often wondered why he hasn't been selected before.

There were plenty of All Blacks last night that didn't put their names up for honour.  There are some that I'm finding myself wondering why they're even in the team.  Corey Flynn of course is the main culprit. I could only groan when Mealamu limped off the field knowing it was now going to be an even harder night at the office.  Thank God Flynn didn't score a flukey try (you know, one of those ones where he often finds himself on the wing) and we had to witness his arrogant little chicken 'I've scored a try' dance. That would have been more than I could take.

Muliaina butchered a try by - you guessed it - not passing.  He seems to have a resistance to passing to his teammates - although he is rather fond of the hospial pass.  I feel like I'm the only All Black supporter in the world that is getting more and more annoyed with him. Please next game, watch him and see what I mean.

Speaking of overrated - what must the Ozzies be thinking of Matt Giteau at the moment?  The most expensive player, I don't think I've ever seen a game where he lives up to his press.  Whatever way, the Wallabies need to find a new kicker, and pronto too.

We missed Joe believe it or not. Izzy Dagg has star quality, but defensively he was found wanting on the flanks. 

Kaino is the most underrated All Black. As far as I'm concerned, he came off the bench and helped save the game for us.

So well done to the ABs and well done to the Wallabies.  It was yet another thrilling game of rugby that had everyone on the edge of their seats.  Sorry to Oz that we beat you again, for the 10th time.  (But really, I"m sorry but I'm not that sorry).

Oarsome

South Africa 22 - All Blacks 29 (Tri Nations 2010, Soweto)
Ferdy from London

I didn't see the match. Staying with family in Scotland, it was decided instead to take a walk to the Loch Katrine which was well worth it and so beautiful. I did utter a silent prayer in my heart that I wouldn't be missing the match of the century. Chances were it wouldn't happen, but Murphy's Law dictated otherwise.

I can't comment on the match. I've learnt about it through friends and through internet feeds. But what I can glean about it safely is this:

• 90,000+ people were in support for South Africa at Soweto
• John Smit's celebrations before the match ended in great discomfort for him
• Dan Carter became the greatest ever points scorer in international rugby
• Dan Carter had an off night with the boot but that's ok because since then we've found out he was playing with a broken foot (dan always gets away with it after all)
• Richie McCaw is a bloody legend stealing a try at the death
• Izzy Dagg is not far behind him, as is Thorne, Nonu, Smith, Weepu, Jane and of course Mealamu
• The Boks played with passion and were not too far off the speed, and I know they'll be fine and threatening come 2011
• For now NZ is number 1 in the world and tri nation holders, once again

With the Tri Nations decided, all other matches could be thought of as dead rubbers. But for true rugby supporters, we know this isn't true.

Firstly - South Africa and Australia have to now fight it out for bragging rights. Secondly - NZ has to try and beat Oz Carterless. Now is the time for Cruden to step up - but can he do it? Thirdy -  Richie McCaw is under the international spotlight from bloggers, media, coaches and referees alike for alleged 'cheating'.  Or is is it just alleged 'being too good and clever for any other rugger player on the planet?'  Because this is a NZ rugby blog, you probably know what part of the fence I'm sitting on.

Meanwhile, up North, there's other fish to fry. Stephen Jones of the Times in London, that great Lord Sphincter of them all, managed to damn the ABs with faint praise and accusations of offside  (richie again - what's not to expect of course). But through gritted teeth, even he had to conlude NZ was indeed streets ahead of the opposition.

Most of the media in northern hemisphere climes in fact have been very subdued about the sensational season the All Blacks have had. If they're not wittering on about Richie - they're still stuck in the (only)  English victory against Australia on Australian soil since 2003 (which incidentally is seven years ago - a whole life cycle done and dusted) when the red roses managed to beat the Wallabies.  By one point, or so.

As the north gears up for the beginning of its domestic season, there is another important tournament going on. The Women's Rugby World Cup is currently being held in London. England Expects (as usual).  They beat Kazakhstan (poor Borat) today by 80 points and Ireland previously - so maybe they are right to think they're top seed. (Cue a Tui billboard here).

The Black Ferns of NZ have had it 'easier', dismissing South Africa and Australia comfortably.  Wales on Friday for the Ferns. I hope to get along there and proivde a match report - so watch this space.

In the mean time, good luck to them and thank you to Father Ted and his All Blacks. If you're a true rugby supporter, you take these moments because you never know where it's going in sport and what will happen tomorrow. For now, today will do. I just hope next time, I'll be able to see it with my own eyes.

All Blacks V Wales - Millennium Stadium - 2009

So Warren Gatland has spoken. The All Blacks have lost their 'aura'. (That is of course compared to Gatland's side of 20 years ago when Gatland himself played for the All Blacks). But - press rewind here. Gatland actually just warmed the bench for Sean Fitzpatrick so never actually played a test himself for New Zealand.

Don't get me wrong. If Gatland was the All Black coach now, I'd be having a chortle at all the digs he's making at the opposition. But in reality, as much as Gatland would like to think he knows All Black rugby now, sadly he doesn't. I mean, he played for the dirt-trackers in the late 80s. Yes - admittedly, the ABs definitely had an aura of invincibility then ... but Gatland wasn't part of that as he never played a test for them. He just stood, salivating from the sidelines, like any frustrated understudy naturally does.

Three hours out from the 2009 Welsh - NZ game at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and it could be anyone's game (that's if you believe Gatland and the Western Mail). Or it might just be the game that turns the table for those 'hopeless' All Blacks. (I mean let’s face it, at the moment it seems that only S.A have their number).

But I guess time will tell. . I’m in New Zealand. It’s half three in the morning and it’s time for bed so I don’t care anymore.The best team will win and I think, that like the last 53 years, that team will be in black. If I'm wrong, I'll eat my hat (or delete the post hurridly in the morn).