James Mortimer - (17/10/2011)
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw said the performance of his team was “awesome”, but while he displayed typical
humbleness after the match, it was the showing of the mercurial flanker that showed he is not ready to abdicate his
crown yet.
The performance of David Pocock against the Springboks again led – admittedly primarily by the Australian media – calls
that the Western Force openside had surpassed McCaw as the best number seven in the world.
Yet while Pocock snaffled a remarkable nine turnovers against the former World Champions, he was unable to steal a
single ball from the All Blacks at Eden Park.
This was in stark contrast to McCaw, who affected no less than four throughout the match, while running around the field
and smashing into contact with a vigour that belied his alleged injured foot and limited preparation on the training
field.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry said the power displayed by the New Zealand pack was brilliant, led by their peerless
captain.
"They had a huge physical presence from minute one to minute 80, led by Richie,” Henry said.
McCaw naturally said it was due to the team.
"It was awesome, we realised we had to front up and be on the job for 80 minutes. Every single man did their bit, and
that's what you've got to do in knockout rugby.
He cautioned that the World Cup wasn’t won yet, and had to make sure they put in a similar performance against France,
who the All Blacks defeated 37-17 in pool play.
"We've got the job to do next week, but I'm pleased with how the guys fronted up. The intensity of the ball-carriers and
at the breakdown was the key."
McCaw did reserve special praise for the tight five.
"One to five have been around a long time,” he said.
“That's been building and it was a pretty good performance tonight, but we need it next week."
As for the ‘mythical’ foot injury, McCaw said that he will be right to play in his first World Cup final, and the All
Blacks first since 1995.
"I'll rest up again and be good to go next week, I'm sure,” he said.
ENDS