Friday on RugbyHeaven (no picture for now, I'm at uni...)

http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/articles/2007/06/28/1182624037662.html

We'll target McCaw too: Smith

Richard Knowler
Thursday, June 28, 2007

George Smith has suggested Richie McCaw could be in for another tough night at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The All Blacks were unhappy about how their skipper was hammered off the ball in their 26-21 win over South Africa last weekend, but Smith said he couldn't see anything untoward in their actions.
"You have to play on the edge. I don't think McCaw was targeted by the Springboks intentionally," Wallabies flanker Smith said.
"We will definitely try to nullify him in the game."
The All Blacks disagreed, believing the South Africans concentrated on hammering McCaw in Durban with some underhand tactics.
Yesterday, All Blacks coach Graham Henry said he expected better from the Australians.
"There's nothing worse than being clobbered off the ball when you're not expecting it," Henry said.
"That's the worst thing in rugby and they are called cheap shots. That was discussed after the South African game, and has nothing to do with this game coming up."
Wallabies coach John Connolly has preferred to start the Brumbies' Smith ahead of the Waratahs' Phil Waugh for Saturday night's Bledisloe Cup match.
It is the first time Connolly has played the same No.7 in consecutive tests this season. Smith also started in the 19-22 loss to the Springboks in Cape Town on June 17.
"We think Smith played very well against South Africa and was pretty hard on the ball.
"He had very good form in the Super 14 and Phil did not play a lot of Super 14, he just had three or four matches back."
Connolly has made just one change to that starting XV. In a surprise move, he brought the Brumbies' Adam Ashley-Cooper onto the right wing ahead of Queensland's Drew Mitchell.
Ashley-Cooper is known more as a centre, and in this year's Super 14, he split his time between midfield and fullback.
After the All Blacks overwhelmed the Springboks' scrum last weekend, Australian forwards coach Michael Foley said the Wallabies pack was aware it must amend its technique.
"We have prepared specifically to scrummage a lot lower than against South Africa," he said.
"That's probably the biggest difference."
When the two teams last met at the MCG in 1998, the Wallabies won 24-16. It marked the start of a horror run for the All Blacks, who went on to lose their next four matches against the Australians and South Africans.
The All Blacks did not regain the Bledisloe Cup until 2003.
Seventy-five thousand tickets have been sold for Saturday night's match. The MCG has a 90,000-seat capacity.
Wallabies: Julian Huxley, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stirling Mortlock (captain), Matt Giteau, Lote Tuqiri, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan, Wycliff Palu, George Smith, Rocky Elsom, Dan Vickerman, Nathan Sharpe, Guy Shepherdson, Stephen Moore, Matt Dunning. Reserves: Adam Freier, Al Baxter, Mark Chisholm, Stephen Hoiles, Phil Waugh, Scott Staniforth, Mark Gerrard.

*****
http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/articles/2007/06/28/1182624085160.html

World Cup mistakes won't be repeated: McCaw

Rupert Guinness
Friday, June 29, 2007

ALL BLACKS captain Richie McCaw has a worrying message for anyone expecting his side's victory march to falter when it matters most - at this year's World Cup.
The world's No.1 team has not forgotten how its campaign for the Webb Ellis Trophy failed in 2003 - and to Australia in that semi-final.
But as McCaw reminded reporters yesterday in the build-up to tomorrow night's Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup clash at the MCG, the lesson has been learnt.
He believes there are enough players in this year's squad who were in the highly fancied 2003 line-up to ensure the errors are not repeated.
Asked if he and his teammates from the 2003 side that steamrollered into the World Cup in Australia with Bledisloe Cup and Tri Nations wins had taken anything from their failure, McCaw said: "I think so. Me, and I know quite a few of the guys hadn't been around that long this time of the year leading into a World Cup.

"[In 2003] we started to play some good rugby and thought it was all going to happen. [We] turned up at the World Cup and it didn't. Sometimes the most talented team doesn't win it. It is the best team of the tournament that wins it."
Four years on, and the All Blacks are again favourites to retain the Bledisloe Cup and Tri Nations title and take the Webb Ellis Trophy to New Zealand to defend it as hosts in 2011.
But McCaw realises the All Blacks must keep their feet firmly on the ground to ensure complacency doesn't cruel their hopes of a second World Cup triumph to go with their first in 1987.
"Where we are now, we want to do it right, now," he said of winning. "But we also realise that what we do now isn't going to be good enough down the track.
"We are learning from last time [2003]. We thought perhaps we had the game that was going to do the trick and it didn't."
He admits it is a mantra he and those from the 2003 side will make sure is understood by their younger teammates. "There are probably 13 or 14 of us who were involved last time are still here," he said. "We will make sure the attitude filters through the team."
Saying that, chances are that at the MCG tomorrow, it will seem that McCaw is playing for his life and that the World Cup is the last thing on his mind.
The All Blacks are on a roll after defeating the French, twice, and Canadians at home, followed by victory over the Springboks in South Africa last weekend.
They had a setback yesterday, with fullback Leon MacDonald in doubt for the Test after he broke down at training.
The World Cup might be the long-term goal, but the Bledisloe Cup was still huge, McCaw said.
He has not forgotten the joy of being a part of the All Blacks side that regained it in 2003 after New Zealand had lost 3-0 to Australia in the 1998 series.
"It's really important," he said. "Outside the [World] Cup at the end of the year, it is the most important [title] we play for as a nation. We hadn't had it, when we got it back in 2003, since 1998. It's not an easy thing to get back, especially with only two [Bledisloe] Test matches in a year."
Given that, there was an emphasis on retaining it and the All Blacks get their chance to do that tomorrow night.
¡ Australian Todd Louden, credited with helping South Africa's Bulls win this year's Super 14 tournament, will be the Waratahs' new attack coach for the next two seasons.

****
http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/articles/2007/06/28/1182624068509.html

All Blacks on their way to rugby greatness

Thursday, June 28, 2007
Related: All Blacks fact box

We know the All Blacks are very good but just how good?
What exactly will the Wallabies be up against on Saturday night when they set about trying to regain the Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 2002 - and then ultimately achieve more Rugby World Cup glory later this year in France?
Well, compelling statistics reveal Graham Henry's all-conquering New Zealanders to be the most dominant All Blacks outfit of all-time.
And arguably the most dominant team in history, full stop.
Last Saturday's 26-21 disposal of South Africa in Durban, after big wins over France and Canada to kick off their 2007 international campaign, have improved the All Blacks' record to an imposing 37 wins from 41 Tests since their heartbreaking 22-10 semi-final loss to Australia at the 2003 World Cup in Sydney.

In more than a century of Test match rugby, no other All Blacks team has managed to sustain such a consistent level of excellence over such an extensive period.
Only the champion England side - who won 33 of 36 Tests between the 1999 and 2003 World Cups, including 21 straight before arriving in Australia and winning another seven in a row to run off with the William Webb Ellis Cup - can challenge the All Blacks' record.
Twice before, from 1961-69 and again between 1987-91, the All Blacks boasted 32 victories from 37 Tests, but the current class - led by international player of the year Richie McCaw and influential flyhalf Dan Carter - have now surpassed both those supreme outfits.
During their golden run, the All Blacks have beaten every major Test-playing nation - most both home and away - and are undefeated against all northern hemisphere opposition.
In 2005 alone, the All Blacks completed a 3-0 sweep over the British Lions before heading to the UK and achieving the coveted "grand slam" with victories over England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Eighteen months on and they are riding a 24-Test winning streak in New Zealand and are odds-on favourites to retain both the Tri Nations trophy and Bledisloe Cup with further series triumphs over Australia and South Africa.
Their only defeat in 24 Tests over the last 22 months was a one-point loss to the Springboks in South Africa in September last year.
Yes, the new-age All Blacks, with a rare mix of power and panache, are enjoying unprecedented levels of success.
And coach Henry is doing everything in his power to make them bullet-proof, winning all but one of their Tests over the past two seasons despite rotating 49 players to ensure untimely injuries to any of his stars can't derail the All Blacks in their quest for a first World Cup in 20 years.
Indeed, the World Cup looms as their final frontier and, with success in France in October, McCaw, Carter and co can stake an irresistible claim to being the greatest team rugby has ever known.
And make no mistake, Wallabies coach John Connolly is acutely aware that it is going to take something very, very special for anyone to stop the New Zealand juggernaut.
"They're the No.1 team in the world and we respect them," Connolly said this week ahead of Saturday night's showdown at the MCG.
"To beat New Zealand, we will need to play our best rugby and do the little things well.
"You can't afford to give the All Blacks any opportunities because they have incredible talent across the field and have the ability to hurt you from any position."
Australia led New Zealand in all three trans-Tasman clashes last year, only to succumb 32-12 in Christchurch, 13-9 in Brisbane and 34-27 in Auckland.
But the Wallabies - the only team apart from the Springboks to have conquered the All Blacks since 2003 - remain quietly confident their great rivals are vulnerable - as they have shown to be in failing to lift the William Webb Ellis Cup despite being heavy title favourites at three of the last four World Cups.
"And I think we've advanced a bit (since last year). I think we're not too bad," Connolly said.
"The last two (Bledisloe Tests) were close games and sometimes you're going to get away with them."
Henry acknowledged as much this week when he admitted the Wallabies were unlucky not to have lowered the All Blacks' colours last year, labelling the Brisbane Test his side's toughest in the past 18 months.
"I have fond memories of that game. It probably epitomised what Test rugby's all about," Henry said.
"It was low scoring, hugely contested, good defence by both sides, and either could have won."
He expects another torrid encounter this weekend and Wallabies playmaker Stephen Larkham said a home victory would serve as a huge confidence booster just two months out from the start of the sixth World Cup.
"It's very important for our psychology," Larkham said. "We certainly want to get some confidence out of these matches.
"It's the same combination that we're going to take into the World Cup, so we want to get a little bit of confidence out of that and the best way to get that is to beat the sides that you come up against."

****HAVE FUN*******
http://www.tv3.co.nz/VideoBrowseAll/CampbellLive/tabid/367/articleID/29825/Default.aspx#video

Rugby commentary, Jed style
Fri 29 Jun 2007 12:00a.m.

If you’re a rugby commentator there is only one place to be tomorrow night – the Melbourne Cricket Ground where Australia is taking on the All Blacks.

But one commentator won’t be there – he’ll be in a pub in Wellington calling the game in his own very different style.

Jed Thian is a former player who is attracting a crowd with his alternative commentary

News of the week

Tv.co.nz

All Blacks re-jig side

http://tvnz.co.nz/cda/tvnz/video_popup_windows_skin/1204633?bandwidth=128k

All Blacks ready for Wallabies

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/video_popup_windows_skin/1206985?bandwidth=128k

2007 All Blacks : best class ever?

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/488120/1206766

Compelling statistics reveal the Wallabies will be up against the most dominant All Blacks team in history in Saturday night's Bledisloe Cup blockbuster at the MCG.
And arguably the most dominant team ever.
Last Saturday's 26-21 victory over South Africa in Durban, on top of big wins over France and Canada to kick off their 2007 international campaign, has improved the All Blacks' record to an imposing 37 wins from 41 tests since their heartbreaking 22-10 semi-final loss to Australia at the 2003 World Cup in Sydney.
In more than a century of test match rugby, no other All Blacks team has managed to sustain such a consistent level of excellence over such an extensive period.
Only the champion England side - who won 33 of 36 Tests between the 1999 and 2003 World Cups, including 21 straight before arriving in Australia and winning another seven in a row to run off with the William Webb Ellis Cup - can challenge the All Blacks' record.
Twice before, from 1961-69 and again between 1987-91, All Blacks teams boasted 32 victories from 37 Tests, but the current class - led by international player of the year Richie McCaw and influential first-five Dan Carter - have now surpassed both those supreme outfits.
During their golden run, the All Blacks have beaten every major test-playing nation - most both home and away - and are undefeated against all northern hemisphere opposition.
In 2005 alone, the All Blacks completed a 3-0 sweep over the British Lions before heading to the UK and achieving the coveted "grand slam" with victories over England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Eighteen months on and they are riding a 24-test winning streak in New Zealand and are odds-on favourites to retain both the Tri-Nations trophy and Bledisloe Cup with further series triumphs over Australia and South Africa.
Their only defeat in 24 tests over the last 22 months was a one-point loss to the Springboks in South Africa in September last year.
Yes, the new-age All Blacks, with a rare mix of power and panache, are enjoying unprecedented levels of success.
And coach Henry is doing everything in his power to make them bullet-proof, winning all but one of their tests over the past two seasons despite rotating 49 players to ensure injuries won't derail the All Blacks in their quest for a first World Cup in 20 years.
Indeed, the World Cup looms as their final frontier and, with glory in France in October, McCaw, Carter and co can stake an irresistible claim to being the greatest team rugby has ever known.

TV3

http://www.tv3.co.nz/VideoBrowseAll/SportsVideo/tabid/317/articleID/29690/Default.aspx?articleID=29690#video

Rugby: Dramatic changes to AB line-up

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 6:42p.m.

The All Black selectors have made sweeping changes to the backline for Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup match in Melbourne. Leon MacDonald slots into fullback with Mils Muliaina moving into centre. He will partner Luke McAlister while Rico Gear is on the wing. Both Isaia Toeava and Sitiveni Sivivatu were not considered due to injury. And it forwards the big daddy, Chris Jack returns after paternity leave. And In the reserves Aaron Mauger moves to the bench.

http://www.tv3.co.nz/VideoBrowseAll/SportsVideo/tabid/317/articleID/29752/Default.aspx?articleID=29752#video

Rugby: Carter should be back on form for Saturday
Thu, 28 Jun 2007 6:16p.m.

The All Blacks are confident that Daniel Carter will be back to his best against the Wallabies in Melbourne on Saturday night.

As 3 News reporter Hamish McKay tells us from Melbourne, so is Carter himself.

http://www.tv3.co.nz/VideoBrowseAll/SportsVideo/tabid/317/articleID/29613/Default.aspx?articleID=29613#video

Rugby: Conference called after dodgy Springbok decision

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 6:45p.m.

Sanzar has scheduled an emergency phone conference to discuss the Springbok’s decision to rest twenty players for the Australasian leg of the tri-nations.
If the decision is not reversed, the All Blacks will face a virtual Boks B team in Christchurch on July 14.

****

Plus new videos on

www.allblacks.com

Photo by our friend Nuraan S.

Richie, last Sunday in South Africa.

Midi Olympique Monday June 25th, 2007

Richie’s Paradise,
By Jerome Fredon.

Huge privilege. All Black captain Richie McCaw opened the door of his house in Christchurch for us. Here is our unforgettable afternoon.

“I’ve been waiting for you. Please, come on in, don’t be shy.”
This scene is quite surreal. After thousands of kilometres, hours spent in planes, here we are, facing the house of Richie McCaw. The All Black skipper. It is huge honour.
Between two test matches, Richie McCaw nicely accepted to spend a part of his day off as our guide in his secret garden. A life spent under the stars of Authenticity and Nature. Between the cycling rides on the hills over Christchurch, the flights over Omarama and the fishing trips with his mates in the Pacific.
So what does his house look like, him the best rugby player on Earth? Is it a big mansion on the seaside in a borough for Nouveaux Riches, guarded 24/7 ? Or a huge house with a swimming-pool, built on a wild domain under the control of enormous guards? No, not at all.
The life of a scared millionaire, hidden in his castle, ready at every moment to seize his gun or his phone –that is not the life Richie McCaw wants to live. The flanker of the Crusaders is a laid-back person. Relax Max, cool Raoul (NT : French set phrases to express “zen/ cool attitude”) His garden is within reach in a few seconds, no gate, no door code to type before getting in? The garage is wild open : you can see his magnificent red sports car parked in there, his racing bike made of carbon. The papers are still pilled up in front of the door as the sun has started its setting (NT : not sure of the word here.)
Richie McCaw has chosen a quiet life. The big green parks with their ancient trees and the Victorian houses in the centre of Christchurch were not for him, he chose simplicity : a peaceful suburb, reminiscent of the so-called Wisteria Lane in Desperate Housewives, where lawns are well kept and trees un-welcomed. Welcome to Shirley, little dormitory suburb in the North of Christchurch, 20 minutes away from the city center.

Home sweet home. Wearing a pair of black training pants and training shoes, Richie McCaw is also wearing the jersey of the French soccer team, jersey offered by Patrick Vieira (captain of the French soccer team) when the two (and their coaches) met last November as the All Blacks were touring France to play against les Bleus. They had attended the match France vs. Greece at the Stade de France. His smile is shining on his face which seems delighted (NT : not sure here either) Richie McCaw takes his time to show us his house. No expensive pieces of furniture or brand new TV. Very light decoration. On the wall in the living room, there is a picture representing a propeller plane. Tribute to his grandfather Jim, Royal Air Force pilot during WW2. But also piece of witnessing (NT : oups!) of the love of flying for this man born in Oamaru, holder of his flying licence. When he has some free time and when the weather is OK, Richie McCaw escapes for some hours in the sky, flying a glider. It’s a means for him to take some altitude but also to empty his mind.
In the living room, on a table, lie the rugby cups : on the foreground, the trophy of the best IRB player of the year 2006. In the corridor leading to his bedroom, the only picture of rugby in the house : a poster of the 2003 team, signed by all the players and staff members. In the kitchen, on the big fridge, there are several drawings by children.
“These are presents sent by my youngest fans”, the tall Richie smiles, tender. “They can’t read or write yet. It’s great to have fans of such a young age! These are the little things I pay much attention to ; even if, I must confess, I don’t always get the signification.”
Richie McCaw does his best explaining the history of all the objects inhabiting his home sweet home, that he bought 4 years ago with the bitter prize money. The one earned after the 2003 semi final lost against Australia.
“I would have preferred buying this house in other conditions. But I don’t have to complain about it either. This place is so perfect : it’s modern, spacious, the garage is big enough for me to park my car in and stock other stuffs…Yet, sometimes, it’s a bit too big for two roomies. My roommate is a friend of mine who is not in the business. It’s really good to be back home after work and to talk about something else or to have someone who can keep the house. With all the tours I do with the Crusaders or with the All Blacks, it’s hard to do things properly. I love tours : visiting other countries, seeing different people, getting out of our “nest”. But I realize that because I am often in my hotel room resting, in the end, I kinda get bored (?). When I am abroad, what I miss most are my room and my bed (NT : me too!!!) Even if I must say that they are smaller than those in the hotels we stay in.”

Son of a farmer. His bedroom doesn’t look like a luxurious suite of some one five-star hotel. This room looks like more a student-room than the room of a rugby genius. Personal stuffs over his bed, including the jersey of Olivier Magne –exchanged after the second test match in Wellington. Some bedside lamp on his bedhead table (NT : not sure). Training shoes offered by sponsors overflowing his cupboard. And dozens of jerseys and of trainings pants. For short : Heaven for any accomplished sports person. His mind is fine ; as well as his body.
This big boy, well built, with his six-pack, would he be ready to pose like his team-mate Dan Carter in a advertising campaign for underwear ?
“ You kidding me? That doesn’t attract me. Yet, if they offered me $400,000, it would be hard to say no. But, no, honestly, it’s not something I’d do. We are all different. The spotlights on us all the time often make me uncomfortable. You know, my father was a farmer. I grew up in a farm in the middle of nowhere in Otago. In Hakataramea Valley. Where the weather is tough, the living conditions not easy. Coming from there, I had never thought I’d live this life, so scrutinized, so commented. But what can I do? New Zealand is a small country where rugby is put on a pedestal. Sometimes I’d like to shop or go to a pub like everyone, without anyone to talk to me (?) But when I start thinking about it, I always ask this question “Would I like to do something else than rugby?” My answer is clear and without ambiguity. No I wouldn’t and I couldn’t.”

Bank. Yet, he could do it. Richie McCaw is as gifted with a pen on a copybook as with a ball on a rugby ground. Excellent student, he graduate high school with the best mark and graduated Lincoln University (Christchurch) in agricultural science (NT : about the university graduation, I am not sure of what mister Fredon writes in his article. I think Richie has suspended his university studies, but yes, he plans to graduate at the end of his rugby career. If you have more recent news about it, please tell me!). Agriculture is the business in which he grew up. Learning how to drive his father’s tractors from the age of 5.
“When you grow up in a farm, you learn to do things pretty young. Repairing the piping, building up the fence….it’s the best school of life. I find my roots in the country life, it doesn’t mean that I’d go back there to work."
Richie McCaw confesses having a weakness for banks and the world of trade. To avoid the migration of its jewel, the NZRU made him sign a contract with a 2 year contract with a bank (NT : the bank is Australian!)
“Anyway, even without this contract, I would not have left. It irritates me to see many of my team-mates leaving, but their motivation is understandable. New Zealand is a small country and it doesn’t have the same financial power as France or England. I have a beautiful house, a good situation, and look, it’s the beginning of winter and I am wearing a T-Shirt. So why would I go and get bored in England where the weather is execrable and winters are harsh? (NT : who said England, Richie? France would love to have you…I’m sorry, I’m kidding! But I am sure that after the 2011 World Cup, he will change his mind about the “playing in Europe issue”…) I’m fine here, in my piece of Paradise.”

******
Translation and notes by MaryL
If by any chance, you want to correct it in proper English, email me and I'll send you a ".doc" version (which I guess would be easier to correct) :
marykoala@hotmail.fr

I still have problems to scan the pictures (but I'm working on it!!!)

****
La version francaise est a cette adresse
http://marylanceron.blogspot.com/2007/06/le-paradis-de-richie-jerome-fredon-et.html

Rugby: All Blacks first training run in Aussie (TV3)

http://www.tv3.co.nz/VideoBrowseAll/SportsVideo/tabid/317/articleID/29622/Default.aspx#video

The All Blacks have had their first training run in Melbourne ahead of Saturday night's Bledisloe Cup opener at the M.C.G.
Already, the game of musical players has begun.

--> picture from last week's training in South Africa.

Off topic

Congratulations to Emirates Team NZ for today's race, that was just awesome! I'm not an expert (I'm a brand new fan) but that was a cool race (despite the bad wind conditions! and the man at sea...this episode was quite scary!)

Midi Olympique Monday June 25th, 2007

So here is the article I mentionned in the chatterbox yesterday. I promise I will translate it this week (so just be patient or learn French in 3 seconds!!!!)

I couldn't transfer the scans, I'll try my best to fix it as soon as possible!

ps: I had forgotten to say that Richie had had the green jersey after the match against Canada, so here is the Man in Green!

Pour les Francophones, voici l'article avec quelques annotations persos ;)

Je n'arrive pas a poster les photos scannees et l'article alors dsl...

ps : apres le test face au Canada, Richie a eu l'honneur de porter le maillot vert (meilleur remplacant). Bravo!!

http://marylanceron.blogspot.com/2007/06/le-paradis-de-richie-jerome-fredon-et.html

May 2007 : Call Richie McCaw loyal

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sundaystartimes/4049726a6444.html

Rugby: Call Richie McCaw loyal

By GREG FORD - Sunday Star Times

Sunday, 6 May 2007

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is saddened at the prospect of so many team-mates heading overseas after the world cup and wants to stay loyal to New Zealand - and he is encouraging other players to do the same.
McCaw confirmed he recently started contract negotiations with his employer, the New Zealand Rugby Union. Shortly after walking off the Jade Stadium pitch on Friday night, he told the Sunday Star-Times, "I'm happy here so don't want to leave."

McCaw was saddened so many team-mates were heading overseas and said that he felt powerless to stop the trend.
"It's disappointing to see them leave, but I can't begrudge them for making the decisions they have, because everyone has their own reasons," he said. "We just have to make every effort to make sure guys can, and want to, stay and if they don't, then make sure the guys that keep coming through are handled well."

The NZRU is believed to want to sign McCaw until at least the end of the 2011 season so he can lead the All Blacks during the rugby world cup to he held here.
It would be a huge coup and may even persuade others to stay.
Even if the defections continue, McCaw said this was unlikely to alter his decision. He has unfaltering belief that younger players will continue to emerge through the ranks.

"I think we need to keep faith that they will (come through) and we have shown over the last couple of years, with the number of players capable of playing test rugby, that it is possible," he said. "I'm sure the cupboard won't be too bare."
In signalling that he wants to stay in New Zealand, McCaw is bucking the trend which has seen players such as Aaron Mauger, Chris Jack, Byron Kelleher and Carl Hayman sign for English and French clubs.

Luke McAlister is also believed to be making preparations to move overseas, the Blues hotshot tipped to became the latest to announce his departure as the NZRU comes under pressure to retain its prized assets.
McCaw is the jewel in the crown.
As the premier forward in the game, he could virtually name his price overseas -easily twice what the NZRU could offer.
"I'm keen to stay as long as we get something we're all happy with."

-> collages by "allblackonly03" and "allblackforever" .

Merci ;)

Boks accused of cheap shots (yahoo Xtra)

http://yahooxtra.net.nz/rugby/0,,14661-7531675,00.html

24/06/2007
NZPA

All Blacks rugby midfielder Aaron Mauger accused the Springboks of a series of cheap shots as concern mounts over captain Richie McCaw's on-field safety.

Mauger said McCaw was the main target of the Springboks' off-the-ball attention as a tense Tri-Nations test threatened to boil over at any moment.

There were no citings after the All Blacks' 26-21 win, although several incidents were viewed by the citing commissioner.

McCaw appeared at the post-match press conference with two black eyes but refused to point the finger. Mauger was more forthcoming.

"There were a lot of cheap shots in at the side there. Fair's fair if you're ready for it and shaping up but a lot of it's coming in from the side of rucks, it's pretty average really," Mauger said.

"It's something we'll have to address the next time we play them.

"Quite how that can be dealt with was the other concern facing the All Blacks, aware that a blatant punch would almost certainly end in a red card and suspension.

There was plenty of push and shove from both sides, most notably after Schalk Burger's try on halftime which involved both forward packs. McCaw and Bobby Skinstad also had a prolonged scuffle in the second half.

Assistant coach Wayne Smith said last week the emphasis was on keeping cool heads in the face of likely provocation.

Mauger said that was a tough ask.

"It's pretty frustrating because a lot of it's unseen, but if the cameras look hard enough they'll be able to find a bit of dirt out there. That's up to the officials to make sure they pick that stuff up.

"It's usually like that, they (Springboks) try to target some of our main players and if that's their intention we've just got to make sure we look after them. "

Mauger meanwhile went from hero to villain in the space of three minutes but it all had a happy ending.

Out of nowhere he nailed a dropped goal to reduce the Springboks' lead to 11-9 just after halftime, then soon afterwards flipped a pass straight into Butch James' arms to gift him a 35m dash to score under the posts.He admitted he'd like to "rewind and erase" the intercept pass.

He said the dropped goal came from nowhere, the team having discussed how to shut down Springboks dropped goal ace Francois Steyn.

"We were on the front foot and there was no pressure, and no talk from outside so it took it upon myself to have a crack.

"It felt good. I hit it sweet. I didn't know how to act, I was a little bit surprised so I just kept it all inside, ran back and tried to look cool."

Copyright: NZPA 2007

****

If the commissioner did his job properly (and by "properly" I mean "suspending a dangerous player or a player involved in a fight"), not many players will be able to play the rest of the Tri Series (they were fights last weekend and this weekend).

Richie is an obvious target (and has always been -even during the Super 14!!!) but was not the only one yesterday (in total objectivity!).

End of the discussion????

News after Saturday's test

-> Pictures from yesterday's match

-> Really tough match for the ABs, I usually call them Marathon-men coz they know that a match lasts 80 minutes and they don't have to hurry but yesterday, I was close to call them Turtle-men (like the poem by La Fontaine -for those who see what I mean...) The referee was really good (but should have given at least -to me- two more yellow cards -one on each side...), Alain rolland is a very good referee ;)

For their defense we can say that they ABs had had a 18 hours journey and 10 hours of jet lag to South Africa ; next Saturday in Melbourne (at the Dome, I guess?), they will also have a long trip behind them...

Anyway, here in France, we had a long rugby afternoon since after the match, we could watch a report entitled "Au coeur des Blacks", a sum-up of the History of the All Blacks -from today (Richie, Piri, Mils, Kevin, Aaron, Dan., Byron and coach Graham) and from yesterday (Jonah, Brian Lochore and others...) The DVD will be available here on August 20th. We were told that they ABs had had a copy of it and that they really appreciate this tribute, so hopefully the DVD will be available everywhere ;)

ps : sorry for yesterday's race to the guys sailing in the America's cup final but it's only 1/0...they can be Marathon-Men too!!!!

******

http://www.tv3.co.nz/VideoBrowseAll/SportsVideo/tabid/317/articleID/29458/Default.aspx#video

Rugby: All Black's epic second-half come back

Sun, 24 Jun 2007 7:45a.m.

A storming final 15 minutes has given the All Blacks just their second win from their last five tests on South African soil in their Tri Nations opener in Durban.
The All Blacks fitness shone through with two late tries to eclipse the Springboks 26 - 21 in this morning's Tri-Nations clash.

The South Africans started with a hiss and a roar, but could not capitalise until right on half time when Shalk Burger crashed over to give them an 11 - 6 lead.

Trailing 21 - 12 in the second half, the injection of five bench players sparked quick-fire tries to Richie McCaw and Joe Rokocoko and a Tri-Nations triumph.

Skipper Richie McCaw thankful for their late burst - but he knows it cannot happen again.

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http://www.tv3.co.nz/VideoBrowseAll/RugbyWorldCupVideo/tabid/394/articleID/29495/Default.aspx#video

Rugby World Cup Update: 24 June

Sun, 24 Jun 2007 7:01p.m.

In tonight’s Rugby World Cup update Hamish McKay looks at the possibility of a South Africa vs New Zealand final and talks to Graham Henry following the sensational win the All Blacks had over the Boks earlier today.

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http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsArticle=6252

All Blacks can improve 40 percent - Henry
24/06/2007

All Blacks coach Graham Henry was delighted with his side's 26-21 thrilling come-from-behind over South Africa in their Philips Tri Nations match in Durban but said the side could improve 40 percent on its effort.

It took two stunning late tries to flanker Richie McCaw and wing Joe Rokocoko for the All Blacks to break down a 21-12 lead for the South Africans.

But the 68th and 71st minute tries were the product of superior fitness and skill for the All Blacks as they ran a tired Springboks team ragged.

The All Blacks were down 6-11 at halftime, a half that Henry told Skysport was 'ugly'.

He said it took the team a while to settle into the intensity of the game which was tougher than any it had played so far this season.

"But the big thing was they were prepared to play rugby and chance their arm. We're delighted," he said, adding that it had also proved the worth of the reconditioning programme so well did the side's fitness stand up to the pressure.

******

http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsArticle=6251

All Blacks fitness sets up win
24/06/2007
Sportal.co.nz

An outstanding last 15 minutes carried the All Blacks to a 26-21 victory over South Africa in the Philips Tri Nations Test at Durban.

Down 12-21, the All Blacks responded with two superb tries, the first to captain and flanker Richie McCaw and the second to wing Joe Rokocoko, a reward for tenacity, and superior fitness.

With South Africa playing an effective game of patience, the All Blacks committed many uncharacteristic unforced errors but a decision to up the pace proved its worth as the Springboks struggled to handle the tempo.

The expected lineout disadvantage did not materialise and the All Blacks scrum was a vastly superior unit.

But it was the determination of the loose forwards that set up the recovery. No.8 Rodney So'oialo proved the spark with a magnificent run out of the All Blacks 22 that saw him race into the Springboks half. He passed to the fast following flanker Jerry Collins and from that point it was a case of All Blacks rampant.

The ball moved to the left corner and as the ball popped out of the back of a ruck it was a low-flying Richie McCaw who scooped up the ball and drove over for a 68th minute try.

Three minutes later, Rokocoko ran the ball out of the All Blacks 22m, linked with replacement fullback Leon MacDonald who kicked downfield. The ball was blocked but it arrived for Rokocoko to race away to score the match winner.

Throughout the first 68 minutes New Zealand didn't lack for opportunities but uncharacteristic handling problems, spread across the team, and disappointing ball security several times eased pressure on the South Africans.

South Africa opened the scoring when lock Troy Flavell was penalised at a ruck on the All Blacks line and fullback Percy Montgomery landed the goal. Halfback Ruan Pienaar extended the lead after 19 minutes when fullback Mils Muliaina didn't release the ball in a tackle 52m out from the line.

First five-eighths Dan Carter rewarded some better All Blacks build-up work by landing his first penalty goal after 29 minutes.

New Zealand, after some initial hesitancy and fumbled ball began to assert greater control with superior passing and driving especially among the forwards.

But again, 33 minutes into the half, the Springboks held onto the ball too long in the tackle and Carter had a chance but missed his third attempt.

Three minutes he was more successful from the right hand side of the field when lock Bakkies Botha was penalised at the ruck and the scorers were leveled.

The All Blacks looked to break out from their half in the last moments of the spell, but the ball was turned over and with a kick to the corner and a lineout, it was the South Africans who mauled their way to the line for flanker Schalk Burger to score for an 11-6 halftime lead.

The All Blacks immediately trimmed the lead after the re-start when second five-eighths Aaron Mauger calmed dropped a goal.

However, Mauger, two minutes later made a bad mistake after some clever work when a quick lineout was taken. Tackled in midfield, he threw a pass when lying flat on his back.

But it was Butch James who intercepted the ball and raced 30m to score with Montgomery adding the conversion.

New Zealand lost one positive attacking scrum chance when referee Alain Rolland ruled the ball had not been carried back into goal and forced by Pienaar when television evidence clearly showed the infringement.

South Africa rang the replacements and two of them were immediately involved in New Zealand's next scoring chance. Francois Steyn came on at first five-eighths and dropped his first pass resulting in a five-metre scrum to the All Blacks.

Moments later, Pedrie Wannenburg, who had replaced Bobby Skinstad, was sin-binned for a ruck infringement which saw Carter land his third penalty goal after 55 minutes.

Montgomery kicked a 66th minute penalty goal, but that merely served to inspire the All Blacks to greater heights as their fitness undid the home side.

Scorers: New Zealand 26 (Richie McCaw, Joe Rokocoko tries; Dan Carter 2 con, 3 pen; Aaron Mauger dropped goal)

South Africa 21 (Schalk Burger, Butch James tries; Percy Montgomery con, 2pen; Ruan Pienaar pen).

HT: 6-11

You can not be serious...

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4104726a10295.html

From All Blacks to all in pink?

By TERRY SEFTON

The Press Saturday, 23 June 2007

The All Blacks might have to change their black strip for a pastel pink to truly maximise their chances of winning this year's World Cup.

Research coming out of America suggests the black jersey may be the side's biggest handicap heading into the tournament in September.

Thomas Gilovich, professor of psychology at Cornell University in New York, has studied how black sports uniforms affect a referee's mindset when awarding penalties.

His results should be of concern to All Blacks coach Graham Henry.

The study focused on America's National Football League (NFL) and National Hockey League (NHL) and found teams wearing black uniforms were more likely to be penalised than those wearing a lighter colour.

It also found teams wearing black uniforms were ranked near the top of their respective leagues in penalties.

Gilovich says there are two reasons why black uniforms tend to attract more whistle blowing.

"Firstly, it is because of the association between black and evil. What I've found is borderline infringements by members of black-uniformed teams look more aggressive and thus elicit more penalty calls," he says.
Think Richie McCaw.

"Secondly, the association with black leads to a feeling of power, forcefulness, and aggression on the part of players wearing black uniforms.
"Wearers of black uniforms tend to play more aggressively, which increases the chance of them getting penalised."

Think Ali Williams.

Gilovich's research also found an interesting twist.

"On those occasions when a team switched from non-black to black uniforms, the switch was accompanied by an immediate increase in penalties."

This finding may thwart a possible ploy by French rugby jersey designers.
Recent reports have speculated that Nike, the maker of the French rugby jersey, has purposely designed the Tricolores' new jersey a darker than usual blue, which would prove difficult to distinguish from the All Blacks' traditional black jersey now made by Adidas.

This would probably mean the All Blacks would have to wear an alternate coloured jersey if the side was to play France at the World Cup.

The early favourite, in terms of jersey colour, would be one similar to the white one the All Blacks wore during the side's 1987 quarter-final against Scotland at the then Lancaster Park.

This white coloured uniform might not be such a bad thing, especially as France will be wearing the darker of the two playing strips and should, theoretically, get penalised more than the All Blacks.

******

They were quite cute last November when they met Stade Francais, but they can't play in pink! Seriously?...

If that ever happens, just thank Max Guazzini for this lovely idea (Max is the Brain of marketing in rugby and he is a living God for French rugby and its being more popular everywhere in France! So merci Max!!!!)

Timing was not quite right (ABs.com also on Yahoo Xtra)

http://yahooxtra.net.nz/rugby/0,,14646-7521930,00.html
as McCaw keen to avoid yellow cards

***
http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsArticle=6244

22/06/2007
NZPA

Richie McCaw is confident he won't be a shiny beacon for trigger happy rugby referees this year after being sent to the naughty corner twice during the Rebel Sport Super 14.

The All Blacks captain returns to the starting 15 after a break on the bench against Canada chasing a repeat of his first Test as skipper in South Africa -- a slick 45-26 win in Pretoria last August.

There are just six survivors in each starting 15 from that match. The returning All Blacks are McCaw, Anton Oliver, Greg Rawlinson, Dan Carter, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Mils Muliaina.

Along with fellow Philips Tri Nations flankers Schalk Burger and George Smith a master at the contest for possession at the breakdown, McCaw has been accused of pushing the laws to the limit.

During Super 14 he was sinbinned for a deliberate knock-on against the Brumbies and for pulling down a maul against Bulls.

Under more scrutiny in World Cup year?

"I got a couple of yellow cards in Rebel Sport Super 14 but it wasn't because refs were looking at me more. I made mistakes and my timing wasn't quite right," McCaw said.

"I don't think it's any different to the past and I hope there's no preconceived ideas. You never really know but I haven't felt that anyway."

The All Blacks rate the referee for Sunday's (NZT) Tri Nations Test against the Springboks, Irishman Alain Rolland, one of their favourite whistlers.

Assistant coach Wayne Smith was confident the match wouldn't be dominated by the whistle and be decided by penalty kicks. A fine day and mid-20degC temperatures are forecast.

"He's one of the top two refs in the world at the moment. He's his own man, he's decisive and we're happy to have him. I'm sure the Boks are as well," Smith said.

But the locals weren't so sure. A journalist was quick to remind Smith of the statistic that the Springboks have lost four of their five Tests with Rolland in charge.

"Beautiful. That's the kind of stat I like," Smith said.

"I'm sure it wasn't the ref's fault though."

Some news before Saturday's test in Duban

http://www.tv3.co.nz/VideoBrowseAll/SportsVideo/tabid/317/articleID/29399/Default.aspx#video

Rugby: Springboks' turn to feel the pain

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 6:42p.m.

South Africa has lost its two first-choice loosies for the weekend’s Tri-Nations clash against the All Blacks. Injuries have forced Juan Smith and Pierre Spies out of the Durban test, and there is doubt over the fitness of key play-maker Jaque Fourie.

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http://www.tv3.co.nz/VideoBrowseAll/SportsVideo/tabid/317/articleID/29454/Default.aspx?articleID=29454#video

Rugby: All Blacks tipped as favourites against SA

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 6:44p.m.

The All Blacks will finally get to gauge their progresses tonight in their opening tri-nations test against South Africa in Durban. After big wins over an under-strength French side and Canada the All Blacks are looking forward to finally facing up to a real test. Betting agencies seem certain the All Blacks can shake their jet lag and win in Durban.
They are $1.45 favourites to beat the Springboks in tonight's Tri Nations clash of the giants. The Springboks have easily adjusted to some late tinkering in the side after being struck by injury.

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http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411749/1196204

Toeava centre of Mauger's attention
Jun 23, 2007

Isaia Toeava may have his doubters in the New Zealand rugby public, but don't count Aaron Mauger in that number.
Mauger and Toeava line up for just their second test of the season as a second five-centre pairing on Sunday morning against the Springboks in Durban.
Mauger says Toeava has helped him as much as he's helped "Ice junior", and he knows the young man will show his talents against the Springboks.
Mauger says he's sure Toeava will be sorted and ready for the game and he's got much more confidence and self belief this year.
Meanwhile hooker Anton Oliver's just taking it one game at a time in this the all important world cup year.
Oliver says while it's no good as a team to deny that a world cup lies ahead, he's just focussing on the Boks.
He says if you start thinking too far ahead you get yourself in trouble.

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http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/488120/1196264

Shelford receiving cancer treatment
Jun 23, 2007

Legendary All Blacks captain Buck (Wayne) Shelford, has revealed he has being treated for a form of cancer known as lymphoma.
Shelford, who played 22 tests for New Zealand between 1987 and 1990, does not want to make any further comment about his treatment, and wants his privacy respected.
Shelford, who is now 49, captained the All Blacks in 14 tests.

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And don't forget to follow the America's cup results.

The first race will take place during the test match, you'll have to make a choice ;)

http://www.tv3.co.nz/VideoBrowseAll/SportsVideo/tabid/317/articleID/29394/Default.aspx?articleID=29394#video

Yachting: Huge crowds predicted for America’s Cup race one

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 6:11p.m.

Race day of the 32nd America’s Cup is drawing close and both teams are making their last-minute preparations. It has been quiet in Valencia but the event organisers are anticipating a massive crowd for race one, which also coincides with a Spanish festival.

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http://tvnz.co.nz/view/video_popup_windows_skin/1192643?bandwidth=128k

With all the respect I have for Chill's country, I am totally against this new "rule".

I think it's quite sad for rugby and for South Africa in general. I really don't think it will weaken the teams (national or Province). I do hate quotas in general, but this one is (excuse me) totally stupid!

Tell us your thoughts about it in the comments below (thank you)

He is 50 and firing (transcript by Jo, aka Baby fan -thank you!!!)

All Black Skipper Richie McCaw Says He Feels Comfortable In His Role As Captain Of His Country・

One of the most telling moments of last Saturday・s opener against Les Tricolores occurred before the match had even begun. Following the first haka of the season, when the rest of his team had turned back towards their starting positions, captain Richie McCaw kept going, advancing up the baize a few metres more to eyeball the staunch French line. The message was unmistakable. Never mind the line of thinking that said the All Blacks would be easing into their work this year, getting the basics right in this Iveco Series before powering into the Philips Tri Nations: after six months with the black seven jersey folded in his bottom drawer, McCaw couldn・t wait to get started on The Year.

The indispensable flanker was a six-year-old boy running around Hakataramea last time the All Blacks won the Rugby World Cup; this year the 26-year-old clearly wants to be the second All Blacks skipper to get his fingerprints on the trophy. And although the teams no officially getting ahead of themselves just yet, McCaw・s thought a great deal about the elevated performance levels he wants to see this season. Starting, we found on the eve of his 50th test, with his own.

Q: This Iveco Series marks your first anniversary as captain. Richie, what do you think you・ve learned about yourself over the year?

RM: I guess the big thing is that as a captain you・ve got to make sure you get your priorities right and the top one is to play well, to make sure your own game is good. When you get that right, captaining the team and all the other stuff you・ve got to do as captain is reasonably straightforward, but I think I tried to do a little too much. Towards the end of the Philips Tri Nations and again towards the end of the Northern Hemisphere tour I was pretty knackered because I・d tried to make sure I knew what was going on everywhere. I realised perhaps off the field I could have delegated more and that I had to trust the guys around me to help, to use their considerable ability and knowledge and just allow them to do their bit. To a certain extent I did do that, but this year I have to allow that to happen more so I can focus on the first job.

Q: Does that mean you had games where you were annoyed with how you played?

RM: Oh I think the first couple of games last year I turned away a little bit. From then on I got stuck in and was reasonably happy during the Philips Tri Nations and end-of-year tour.

Q: You copped a fair bit of attention from the refs. Does that make it more difficult for you to get your own momentum going in a match?

RM: I don・t think I got too much more than in the past to be honest. I got a couple of yellow cards but that was through my own mistakes rather than refs looking at me more than usual. From my point of view it was disappointing but you learn all the time - if you think you・ve got it mastered that・s when you become unstuck I reckon.

Q: Players always say that they like to take things game by game but as captain, do you find it harder to do that?

RM: To some extent, yes. During the conditioning period I talked a few times to the coaches about how we were going to approach this year, beyond the first campaign. But once I get into test week I・ve got to allow the coaches to look ahead while I make sure I narrow my focus right down to what I・ve got to do.

Q: The other inherent danger of course is that you stop enjoying being a player・

RM: Yeah, and if you stop enjoying it you aren・t going to perform well and it・s going to be a real struggle. If you have one eye on the next game, you・re not going to get the immediate one right. I feel that・s subconsciously what happened in the Rebel Sport Super 14 with the Crusaders: we didn・t perform as well as we could have and there was, at certain times, a subconscious feeling that the All Blacks stuff was just around the corner.

Q: Did you watch the final?

RM: No! I had the weekend off rugby!

Q: So you grew as a captain in the Ab・s last year. Did you feel, ultimately, that you grew as a player, too?

RM: I think I did yeah. This will sort of contradict what I said earlier, but because I really wanted to stay up to speed with everything the team was doing, I was more aware of what I needed to do myself in my on-field role. The other big thing is that a lot of the guys have played a lot of games together now, and that means a heck of a lot. When you・ve been through a lot of different match situations together, next time you・re in that situation you sort of know what each person is going to do, and you know what you・re going to do. And that・s critical to be successful.

Q: Sean Fitzpatrick made a comment recently that losing the last Tri-Nations game in Rustenberg was a missed opportunity, allowing the rest of the world to view the All Blacks as beatable. How did you feel about that?

RM: That was a real reality check for the team. It gave us a jab in the arm, a reminder that there・s not a lot between us and international teams like South Africa. We had a really hard look at ourselves between that game and the end-of-year tour and said, We・ve played okay but we haven・t really gone to another level. So you can say it was a lost opportunity to go through the season unbeaten, but it happened and in hindsight I think that jab was needed to get that attitude that, We・ve got to go again. It reminded the guys that we・re not invincible and we・ve got to get the little things right every week (or we could get beaten by anybody).

Q: You must have been pretty dark at the time.

RM: Oh, you never like losing a test match like that! It was bitterly disappointing because it was so close and we could have won it.

Q: There are photos of you last year with staples in your face. That・s got to hurt?

RM: Staples? Nah. Not Really! It looks worse than it is. The best thing about using staples is that it・s quick and you get straight back on the field while you・ve still got all your adrenalin flowing. You・ve got so mush adrenaline when you・re playing that you don・t even feel it - I・ve been stitched mid-game with no anaesthetic and hardly felt a thing, but if you have the same thing done after the game it hurts like hell!

Q: the Frankenstein look is a bit freaky, I must say.

RM: Yeah, the doc got a few phone calls from her friends saying, ・I hope you・re going to take them out again after the game!・ Ahh well, it looks tough, I suppose.

Q: After you・ve had a hard day at the office, what do you treat yourself to on your day off?

RM: On the Sunday I do recovery stuff and I quite enjoy spending that day just being around the team. You reflect on what happened last night, have a yarn about it. On Monday we get a day off, and though you・re still a little bit sore, it is a chance to go do something you enjoy, reward yourself for playing well. Sometimes it・s golf with a bunch of the guys. If I・m in Auckland I like to go see some friends there or if I・m in Wellington I have some family that I like to catch up with. The worst thing is to just sit in your room and think ・Here we go again next week・.

Q: You must be so used to living your life on the road.

RM: But I quite enjoy touring, seeing different things. I just can・t wait to get over to the Rugby World Cup and see it all, I enjoy it even though it・s a long time away. You do, at the end of a tour think it・s so nice to be home and back in your own bed, but it・s not going to be around forever, being able to tour with the All Blacks.

Q: What・s the first thing you pack?

RM: I・ve got a SoundDock and iPod so I can have music in my room, so I make sure that・s packed in there.

Q: Did the conditioning window mean you had a chance to relish normal life, for a change?

RM: They were real busy weeks, but the best thing was having six weekends to myself. Normally I get to a Friday and my emotions are gearing up, ready to get into a game. It feels like the week is only just starting whereas during the conditioning period the week was done. You could have a couple of beers during the weekend, do some fishing, plan stuff - a few of us went out to Great Barrier one weekend. I had three weekends down at the house in Omarama gliding which was great. It was nothing out of the ordinary, really, but it was great to be able to think, ・Time to relax, what would I like to do this weekend?・

Q: Did you do the simulated altitude training with hand held hypoxicators?

RM: I・ve never tried that, to be honest. I・ve talked about doing it, but the time has never really been right to do it.

Q: How・s your French? I hear you made an after-match speech in French when you were over there?

RM: Well I tried! I don・t know much, and before that I didn・t know any. A Kiwi lady who works for the New Zealand Embassy there, she wrote out some lines so that I could say it, at least.

Q: Hit me.

RM: Je parle un pue francais・ How do you say ・a little・?

Q: Un peu.

RM: Un pue?

Q: Un peu de francais.

RM: Je parle un peu de francais. I・ve been doing a few lessons actually, but obviously it・s not sinking in that well!

Q: What do you like to read? Do you do a lot of reading?

RM: I do, actually. I quite like fast-moving action books, political thrillers. Lee Child, Tom Clancy, you know all that sort of thing.

Q: Really? And what do you eat for breakfast?

RM: I don・t eat a lot of breakfast, but you can・t miss breakfast so I・m just a cereal and toast man. Usually cornflakes or Weetbix. I never get sick of continental (breakfasts).

Q: Cornflakes and Tom Clancy. Very salt of the earth. No fancy hotel smorgasbords, fruit compote and maple nut muesli for Richie!

RM: Yeah, I dunno if it・s a good picture actually! I・m reading for study at the moment, mind you, for my commercial pilots license. That・s a bit of fun. I haven・t started yet really, I・ve just got the books and I・m reading through to try and get to the point where I can study.

Q: What about helicopters?

RM: I・m keen to give them a go at some point too. But they・re pretty expensive to learn. I・ll have to play a few more years first.

Q: Are you following the Americas Cup?

RM: Definitely. I can・t say I get up and watch the races live, but each morning I・m keen to know how they・re going. During our conditioning camp in Auckland, we went down to Team New Zealand, they showed us over the boat.

Q: They・re not unlike the All Blacks, in certain respects, with that large, structure team and four yearly pinnacle.

RM: Oh exactly, there・s a lot of the same things. Graham Henry has done a bit of work with them and I think Robbie Deans did too, with Grant Dalton. We・ve learnt from some of the things they do and perhaps vice versa. They・re training real hard for one shot, you know. It・s not mush different to what we・re doing.

Q: Getting back to this series, was it difficult dealing with all the talk that you were going to cream this French side, let alone Canada?

RM: I think the All Blacks are expected to win every time and the measure of how good you are and how good your team is, is if you can perform to your standards no matter who you・re playing. That・s where we・ve got to get to: to stick to our own standards, whether we・re up against the best or the worst in the world. That・s the challenge we・ve got. And, of course, the French are a real challenge.
Q: Do you feel different, the moment you・re all kitted up in Black and ready?

RM: Yeah I do. Once I put the jersey on I get a real sense of people having put their trust in me. The black jersey brings out the best in you, that・s why it・s special, and that・s why you always stop and have a look at it before you put it on. You hope your best will be good enough to do what you have to do for the team.

Q: So there are still times you feel it・s quite surreal being All Black captain?

RM: Definitely. I was flicking through the paper the other day, saw the team listed there and seeing my name with the ｩ beside it - I still think gee, you know, that・s me. I still have moments where I think hell, I・m touring with the All Blacks, you know? I know it・s a clich・ but you・ve got to keep telling yourself not to take it for granted. It・s healthy to remember that it・s a very special thing to have the chance to do.

-> traduction en francais
http://marylanceron.blogspot.com/2007/06/hes-50-and-firing-en-francais.html

Henry gets the boys to relax (abs.com)

http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsArticle=6229

19/06/2007

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has ordered his players to hang up their rugby boots and unfurl the fishing rods or golf clubs as they take a low key route into their biggest Test of the year to date.

By acknowledging his players are not robots, Henry hopes to have them fizzing at Absa Stadium on Sunday morning (NZT) in their bid to break an ordinary recent record in South Africa.

Tuesday in seaside Durban is set down as a day to hit the water or the fairways, with not a rugby ball, tape recorder or television camera in sight.

There were still jet lag issues for the New Zealanders, most of whom played a Test match on Saturday night then slept for just four hours, before an early morning wakeup call then 18 hours on a plane to South Africa via Sydney.

"We don't want to overdo it otherwise we'll be worse off. We've just got to be intelligent as to how we prepare," Henry said before a light training session in heavily overcast, windy weather on the manicured turf of the premier rugby college Greenwood High School.

Most of the buildup was worked on last week when most frontliners were rested from the Test against Canada in Hamilton.

There's plenty more riding on this Test, although Henry is intent on separating the Philips Tri Nations in upcoming weeks from rugby's ultimate prize going on the line at the World Cup in France this year.

"I can't remember when we've won here. We've won one of four I think since this management group's (Henry, Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith) been together," Henry said.

"It's obviously the biggest challenge that we face in rugby at the moment, which is stimulating."
The All Blacks have lost in South Africa once in each of the past three years, stretching back to Johannesburg in 2004. No other team have beaten them in that period.

Henry went for dry humour over caustic comments -- having zeroed in on negative French tactics and International Rugby Board scheduling in recent weeks -- at his team naming press conference.

He unveiled eight personnel and nine positional changes from last Saturday's 64-13 win over Canada.
Locking injury crisis aside, the team feature their top loose forward combination and front row, and probably their best backline.

There were bellows of laughter from the local press when Henry was asked about Springboks coach Jake White's claims that it was easier to win a World Cup than a Philips Tri Nations title.

"We find it bloody difficult. In fact I can't even remember when we won it. We've won a few Tri Nations but we haven't won too many of those rugby World Cups."

Henry still labelled the Philips Tri Nations the most demanding competition in world rugby but shied away from the theory that if either side won convincingly on Sunday it would deal a psychological World Cup blow to their opponents.

"It's a major international competition that's worth winning. In saying that the All Blacks won it in 1999 and 2003 and I don't think they won the World Cup in those years. I don't know if it's got anything to do with the World Cup, really."

South Africa are due to name their team late tomorrow night (NZT).

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Mini "Oups moment" found on gettyimages :

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 19: Luke McAlister, captain of the All Blacks fires a Heckler & Koch MP5 sub-machine gun during a visit to a shooting range June 19, 2007 in Durban, South Africa

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Richie won' t notice the mistake by Gettyimages since he was there too...

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As for Piri, he enjoyed a more (let's say) "feminine" afternoon-rest...

Someone has to tell them that they have a match to play on Saturday....

McCaw returns to starting side (ABs.com)

http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsArticle=6224

19/06/2007
Sportal.co.nz

All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw will make a return to the starting lineup for Sunday morning's Philips Tri Nations clash against the Springboks in Durban.

Having started on the bench during last week's Iveco Series win over Canada, McCaw has been called back into the starting side for the crucial Test.

On the back of the All Blacks' well documented lineout injury worries, selectors have also included Blues star and South African born Greg Rawlinson at lock alongside Rebel Sport Super 14 team-mate Troy Flavell.

At the expense of veteran wing Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko is also set to make his return after missing last weekend's clash with Canada in Hamilton.

Pleased with the depth of talent in his squad, All Blacks coach Graham Henry has admitted the selectors have faced headaches in choosing this week's side.

"We have a lot of competition for positions and this was a tough team to select," he said.

The All Blacks arrived in Durban Tuesday morning approximately 48 hours after their Test against Canada.

"It is difficult to travel to South Africa from New Zealand, it is always a challenge for the All Blacks and our Rebel Sport Super 14 teams," he added.

"We have to get our preparation right in the next few days."

New Zealand : 1 - Tony Woodcock, 2 - Anton Oliver, 3 - Carl Hayman, 4- Troy Flavell, 5 - Greg Rawlinson, 6 - Jerry Collins, 7 - Richie McCaw (captain), 8 - Rodney So'oialo, 9 - Byron Kelleher, 10 - Dan Carter, 11 - Sitiveni Sivivatu, 12 - Aaron Mauger, 13 - Isaia Toeava, 14 - Josevata Rokocoko, 15 - Mils Muliaina.

Reserves: 16 - Keven Mealamu, 17 - Neemia Tialata, 18 - Ross Filipo, 19 - Chris Masoe, 20 - Piri Weepu, 21 - Luke McAlister, 22 - Leon MacDonald.

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Photos from two weeks ago (between the two test matches against France)

on Photosport.co.nz