Annonce (pour la France)

Lundi 7 juillet. Le Magazine de Midi Olympique contiendra une interview de Richie McCaw -pour ceux qui veulent réserver leur numéro chez leur libraire!

Il est bon de rappeler que le magazine ne peut être vendu séparément du journal et qu'en cas de rupture de stock, je serai là (j'vais quand même pas vous laisser tomber! voir ci dessous dans la partie en anglais)!
Monday July 7th. Midi Olympique Magazine will publish an interview with Richie McCaw. I'll be there for you (the scans, the translation and their forward)

For the scans, email me at marykoala@hotmail.fr with the title "MOM Scan".

Note : it has not been published yet!!!

Staying fresh : Mccaw (on ABs.com)

http://www.allblacks.com/flash/video.cfm?ws=35&prog=1&mediaType=video&myFlvID=4716&myType=hi&myCFCPath=functions.&serverName=172.31.5.44&webPath=http://www.allBlacks.com&mediaProviderID=0&returnQty=5&siloID=1&extension=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD-v67M2WnE

Pic by FSS, match vs. Reds (May 10, 2008)

Links to videos

ABs blokes group & my Richie Playlist on YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/group/Absblokes

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=4B447E39E2260CAE

RIP Juan Cruz Migliore

http://totalflanker.blogspot.com/2008/06/juan-cruz-migliore-rip.html

http://www.tsr.ch/tsr/index.html?siteSect=800002&sid=9248082&cKey=1214087770000 (en français)

All Blacks: McCaw up against old schoolmate in England clash

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPAoB3pCvkw

There will be an old boys' reunion at Eden Park on Saturday though not with the usual pleasantries when the All Blacks rugby captain and an English lock reacquaint.

Richie McCaw and Tom Palmer were on the same side in the mid-90s when they played for the Otago Boys' High School First XV.

They have taken contrasting rugby pathways since boarding school days.Palmer, a member of the English championship-winning Wasps club, has been named for his ninth cap in England's remodelled second row and McCaw plays his 61st test.

The 28-year-old Englishman has led a transient life, spending his childhood in Kenya before the family headed to Edinburgh, Scotland.

After completing his A levels, Palmer deferred his place at the University of Leeds and headed to Dunedin to further his rugby education.

At Otago Boys' McCaw played on the openside flank and Palmer in the engine room so not much has changed, apart from their international experience.

While McCaw has been a constant since his debut against Ireland in 2001, Palmer's first England cap the same season was followed by a five-year exile.

With England in transition since last year's World Cup, the 1.98-metre ball winner could be in line for a decent stretch - an outcome that wouldn't surprise McCaw.

McCaw to miss bulk of Tri Nations

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4592429a10295.html


Sunday, 22 June 2008

The All Blacks' defence of the Tri- Nations rugby title has suffered a serious setback after fears today inspirational captain and flanker Richie McCaw will be sidelined for at least six weeks.

McCaw hobbled off AMI Stadium 30 minutes into last night's 44-12 second test defeat of England in Christchurch and was today diagnosed with a high ankle ligament strain.

He is expected to miss four matches of New Zealand's Tri-Nations campaign which starts against world champions South Africa in Wellington on July 5.

McCaw, the only specialist openside flanker in the squad, will also miss the second match against the Springboks in Dunedin a week later.

The All Blacks are next scheduled to face Robbie Deans' Wallabies in a highly-anticipated Bledisloe Cup test in Sydney on July 26.

The trans-Tasman rivals meet again in Auckland seven days later.

At this stage McCaw is only thought to be available for the trip to Cape Town for the third test against South Africa on August 17.

All Blacks management today said the injury was similar to that suffered by All Blacks and Crusaders teammate Daniel Carter during this year's Super 14. The star pivot was also out of action for six weeks.
A replacement for McCaw is being considered with Auckland's Daniel Braid, an All Black at the 2003 World Cup, a possible contender although he suffered a leg injury playing for New Zealand Maori against Fiji last weekend and subsequently dropped out of that squad.

Meanwhile, the prognosis was brighter for lock Ali Williams, who preceded McCaw to the sideline in the 18th minute with a sprained ankle.
All Blacks management were hopeful the senior lock would be available for the tournament opener.

NZPA. WORRYING TIMES: It takes a lot to force Richie McCaw off the field but a leg injury saw him replaced early against England, hot on the heels of Ali Williams' premature departure.

McCaw's value to All Blacks? Just priceless

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4592525a2201.html

By PHIL GIFFORD, Sunday Star Times
Sunday, 22 June 2008


How much is Richie McCaw worth to the All Blacks?
In a word: priceless, which is why the clunking sound last night in Christchurch was the hearts of everyone, from Graham Henry to the youngest ball boy, sinking at the sight of McCaw limping off in pain with an ankle injury.

Why is he so vital? For a start, at a time when restoring faith in rugby has never been more important he has been delivering in every area. On the field he was bringing to the All Blacks the form that made him such a force in Super 14. And that made him the no-question, hands-down, sure-bet, best openside flanker in the world, displaying game after game all the skills that statement demands.

They say that courage is grace under pressure, and off the field McCaw has never yielded to the temptation to display bitterness in the wash-up after the world cup.

It was probably inevitable that, during the week, under pressure from the elephant in the room of possible sexual assault charges involving his players, caretaker English coach Ron Andrew would accuse McCaw of cheating. As former Crusaders and All Blacks team-mate Dave Hewett wryly noted, "It's a bit like the Salem witch trials isn't? What people don't understand, they believe must be evil."

It took all of 25 seconds for McCaw to make his mark last night, grabbing the ball off an English forward trapped on the ground, and setting off the movement that led to England conceding the opening penalty for Dan Carter.

We all know the mantra that one player doesn't make a team. But in the case of McCaw you get not just a player, but, in the way Buck Shelford did in his time as All Black captain, inspiration in a jersey. Without him the All Blacks last night could still offer rugby genius in Carter, someone not just gifted to a ridiculous degree, but also entirely without fear.

The leap in the air that almost returned a try in the first half was a prime example of how a true star of the sport is able to block out crowd noise and a horde of opposing players seeking to do him damage, and only see the ball.

Muhammad Ali once said that when he was in peak form everything in the ring slowed down until he was able to not just see the first punch coming, but the twitch in a shoulder that signalled the next one. Carter was in that zone in 2005 against the Lions, and he's largely back in it now.

It was a hopeful sign too that despite the reluctance with which some of us greeted the spelling of Conrad Smith that Richard Kahui wore the No 13 jersey as if he'd been in it for years. Kahui, like Smith, is an interesting guy off the field, a man with a genuinely sharp, subtle sense of humour, and a view of the world that doesn't stop at the touchlines.

Kahui's open field running is not only fast, but elusive and calculated. Centre is now one of the positions where the All Blacks selectors, despite the exodus north, still have the luxury of choosing between two high quality players.

To complete the embarrassment of a week in which what happened at the Hilton was getting more attention in the British media than anything on the field, their midfield defence would actually made a sieve look watertight.

Life without McCaw becomes stark reality

http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/rugby/news/article/-/4724925/life-mccaw-stark-reality

NZPA - June 22, 2008, 5:33 pm

A patchy start to the rugby season is the least of the All Blacks' concerns after captain and inspiration Richie McCaw was ruled out for at least six weeks today with a serious ankle injury.

New Zealand rugby's greatest fear was realised when scans today revealed world class openside McCaw had suffered a high ligament tear in his left ankle half an hour into last night's 44-12 second test defeat of England.

The injury is nearly identical to one suffered by Crusaders and All Blacks teammate Daniel Carter during the Super 14 which kept the first five-eighth out for six weeks.

McCaw will miss the bulk of the Tri-Nations -- the two opening tests against South Africa on July 5 (Wellington) and July 12 (Dunedin), and tests against Australia on July 26 (Sydney) and August 2 (Auckland). A return could come on August 16 against the Springboks in Cape Town, the penultimate test of the campaign.

The injury problems don't stop there, with lock Ali Williams rated 50 percent at best to play the South African opener, which would leave a pack desperately light on test experience to face the world champions.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry made little effort to play down the impact of McCaw's absence.
"It's obviously a huge blow, that's obvious to everybody. He's the captain of the side, probably the best seven in the world," Henry said.

"If he's not playing, it's going to create pressure. People have to step up and do the job."
Team doctor Deb Robinson said an accurate time frame was hard to diagnose so early but believed six weeks was a best case scenario.

"We know because of where the ligament is that it's a significant injury. These high ankle strains are severe. They are nasty, full stop," said Robinson, surprised the fearless flanker hadn't suffered more throughout his 62-test career. "He's had a golden run really."

Robinson wasn't convinced about Williams' chance of recovery from a more conventional ankle sprain inside two weeks. He would undergo intensive treatment over coming days.

A replacement will be named to cover McCaw later this week, with uncapped New Zealand Maori No 7 Tanerau Latimer or Chris Masoe the most likely candidates.

Daniel Braid would have been a logical replacement but was injured with the Maori last week.
McCaw's replacement as captain should be Rodney So'oialo, with assistant coach Wayne Smith delighted with how the experienced loose forward took the helm last night.

"He did a hell of a good job and he's got a lot of mana in the squad so that will be the way to bet I would think."

Smith said McCaw was desperately disappointed, particularly after hitting rare form in lifting the Crusaders to the Super 14 title and leading from the front through the new-look All Blacks' June campaign.

"It's disappointing for him because he's in such great form," Smith said. "He's been so important for us these last three weeks. Emotionally he'll be feeling pretty down."

Meanwhile, halfback Brendon Leonard was today effectively ruled out of the Tri-Nations. Cartilage damage to his knee has worsened and he will undergo minor surgery, meaning reserve Jimmy Cowan will remain with the squad indefinitely.

More promising was the return to action of reserve Tony Woodcock last night and the recovery of fellow-Blues prop John Afoa from knee injury.

Both will be among about half the squad to play club rugby at the weekend and, if fit, will see cover options Afoa and Ben Franks jettisoned from the squad.

Henry said last night's five tries-to-two performance against England was an improvement on their 37-20 first-test win at Auckland in several areas but still had him concerned at his team's progress.

"We're struggling to get good ball at the tackle area at times. Set piece ball was pretty good, the lineout struggled after Ali went off," Henry said."And defensively we lacked numbers at times in the first half. The boys played a lot better in the second half, I thought Rodney's leadership was quite special."

It was still New Zealand's second-biggest win over England in 31 tests, behind the 64-22 win at Dunedin 10 years ago.

Carter was at his brilliant best. He tallied 22 points, set up the opening try to rookie centre Richard Kahui and scored one himself as he took control of the first half, won 20-0 by the hosts.

"The score flattered us at halftime, I don't think we were as good as all that," Smith said."We improved through the second half (but) we've still got a long way to go."

The second-half tries went to second five-eighth Ma'a Nonu and reserves Sione Lauaki and Cowan while the often ponderous visitors crossed through halfback Danny Care and winger Tom Varndell.

With the All Blacks forced to make more than 150 tackles, Henry was pleased for the week off before the team regather on Sunday.

"A lot of the guys need some space, particularly the Crusaders boys who haven't had a break for three or four months."

**RG ALERT : CAP IS INJURIED**

http://www.3news.co.nz/News/SportsNews/RugbyDoubtremainsoverMcCawWilliams/tabid/415/articleID/60292/cat/70/Default.aspx

Rugby: Doubt remains over McCaw, Williams
Sat, 21 Jun 2008 10:33p.m.

The extent of ankle injuries to All Blacks forwards Richie McCaw and Ali Williams remained unclear in the wake of tonight's 44-12 second test rugby defeat of England here.
World class flanker McCaw limped off in the 28th minute favouring his left ankle after he twisted it and fell awkwardly in an incident behind play.
An ankle injury also forced lock Ali Williams off in the 15th minute.
Both were taken from AMI Stadium for x-rays and the results wouldn't be known until tomorrow, coach Graham Henry said.
"They look reasonably serious to me but we won't know any more until we get the x-rays and get the result," Henry said.
It remains to be seen whether the pair will be available for first test of the Tri-Nations against South Africa in Wellington on July 5.
NZPA

it's just the ankle (I thought it could be the knee!)

Rugby: All Blacks wrap up English test series with emphatic 44-12 win

http://www.3news.co.nz/News/SportsNews/RugbyAllBlackswrapupEnglishtestserieswithemphatic4412win/tabid/415/articleID/60288/cat/71/Default.aspx

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 9:30p.m.

The All Blacks capped a nightmare week for English rugby but may have suffered some injury horrors of their own in a 44-12 second test thrashing of the tourists here tonight.

The two-test series was all-but wrapped up when New Zealand led 20-0 at halftime but the crowd at AMI Stadium would have spent more time discussing an injury that forced captain Richie McCaw from the field.

World class flanker McCaw limped off in the 28th minute favouring his left ankle but the diagnosis was unclear. He appeared to twist it awkwardly when falling in an incident behind play and it remains to be seen whether he will miss at least the first test of the Tri-Nations against South Africa on July 5.

An ankle injury also forced lock Ali Williams off in the 15th minute, leaving the All Blacks’ pack thin on experience.

It did not matter against an English side who were again competitive up front but, as in last week's 20-37 loss in Auckland, lacked attacking firepower and were carved open too easily.

The score-line and pattern to the test were un-eerily similar to last weekend, with the All Blacks scoring just one extra try in a 5-2 advantage while first five-eighth Daniel Carter once again contributed 22 points from a try and seven-from-seven shots at goal.

As with last week, a blow-out was threatened but New Zealand failed to press home their advantage after leading 37-7 with 20 minutes to play.

England came into the match under a blanket of controversy, with four unnamed members of their squad under police investigation for an alleged incident at their Auckland hotel last Sunday morning.

They never mounted the challenge tonight and suffered a sixth straight loss to the All Blacks for the second time in history. No other nation has beaten the English in six consecutive tests.

Despite the similarities to Eden Park, it was an improved New Zealand effort, with the lineout and breakdown work an improvement up front while Kahui made an excellent debut in a backline that threatened throughout.

New Zealand were on the board in the first minute through a Carter penalty after a typical McCaw turnover.

In the 12th minute Carter slipped the tackle of England second five-eighth Jamie Noon, introduced to shore up their leaky first-test defence, and slipped a delightful inside ball to centre Richard Kahui who galloped under the crossbar on test debut.

Carter extended the lead with a 23rd minute penalty and was in the thick of it soon afterwards when he gathered his own chip kick but was held up over the try-line.

From the resulting scrum he crossed from a slick move with halfback Andy Ellis and the 20-point margin inside half an hour effectively wrapped up the series.

England came close to scoring twice but fullback Mathew Tait spilled a loose ball over the try-line and winger Tom Varndell was pushed out in the corner by All Blacks No 15 Leon MacDonald.

Replacement first five-eighth Olly Barkley summed up England's night when he somehow missed a penalty shot from directly in front one minute after halftime.

Carter made no mistake in the 44th minute but England crossed for their only try soon afterwards through halfback Danny Care, skirting the defence from a quickly tapped free kick.
Second five-eighth Ma'a Nonu stretched the advantage when he stormed onto a pass from winger Sitiveni Sivivatu after nice link work from MacDonald.

England centre Mike Tindall was given a yellow card for slowing possession and they paid the price almost immediately when reserve No 8 Sione Lauaki barged over from a scrum.

The visitors defied their numerical disadvantage by mounting pressure and sending Varndell over but reserve halfback Jimmy Cowan had the final say, rolling over for a try after the final hooter.
NZPA

Rugby: Henry safe on Christchurch streets, but feels for English

http://www.3news.co.nz/Video/RugbyHenrysafeonChristchurchstreetsbutfeelsforEnglish/tabid/317/articleID/60162/cat/84/Default.aspx#top

http://www.3news.co.nz/3Sport/Story/tabid/415/articleID/60162/cat/84/Default.aspx

All Blacks’ coach Graham Henry may have expected an awkward week personally in Christchurch but he takes no pleasure in England attracting all the negative attention ahead of the second rugby test tomorrow.

This is Henry's first official visit to red and black country since heading off Canterbury and Crusaders’ icon Robbie Deans for the All Blacks post.

His stocks here would not have improved this month when he included just seven members of the Super 14 champion Crusaders in his first squad of 2008.

However, Henry said he had felt relaxed this week in the city where he was born and raised and had enjoyed support from all those he came across.

"The people are extremely friendly and positive and wish you well. I haven't had a negative since the rugby World Cup, directly," he said.
Instead, all adverse vibes this week are centred around the English and the police investigation into an alleged incident at their Auckland hotel on Sunday morning.

Police confirmed this morning for the first time that the allegations are that a woman was raped and/or sexually assaulted by four players.

Henry said he had not given the English problems a great deal of thought but had empathy for how it reflected negatively on the team and their players.

"I don't know what the details are, I know there's a bit going on. You don't want any sporting team to be going through those situations. You live that sort of life yourselves in a sporting international environment and you have a lot of sympathy for people who go through that situation... certainly you have some thoughts which are that you'd just like to be supportive," he said.

All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen believed it would bring the tourists tighter and make them more dangerous opponents than in last weekend's 20-37 loss at Eden Park.
Henry left such surmising up to others.

"We just focus on what we have to do, that hasn't changed. We're trying to improve our performance from the last test match, trying to go up the graph a bit. What else is happening doesn't affect us really," he said.
NZPA

http://www.3news.co.nz/Audio/3sport/tabid/379/articleID/60162/cat/84/Default.aspx#video

You want it, just ask!

Here are some scans I have had (before or after the exams).

http://www.bebo.com/PhotoAlbum.jsp?PhotoNbr=1&MemberId=2539001493&PhotoAlbumId=8074065883

just send me an email marykoala@hotmail.fr

If the link doesn't work, I'm "Marythefroggy" on Bebo and the album is called "Scans you may want" --how original!

This is not a jersey...

www.thisisnotajersey.com

Ali, Andy & Richie (others pics and even more available if you click on the link above)
Thanks FSS :)

Thanks to Siska, you have the translations :

This Is Not A Jersey........

this is honoring my ancestors - leon macdonald
this is my family, my .... - keven mealamu
this is loyalty, heart & soul! - mils muliaina
this is 105 years of history & opportunity - ali williams
this is a legacy - richie mccaw
it's sacrifice & dedication - rodney so'oialo
this is all I have to give - tony woodcock
this is m..., pride, a dream come true - richard kahui
this is 25 year dream - brad thorn
it's a family reunion - sitiveni sivivatu
this is never giving up. NEVER. - rudy wulf
this is my family - john afoa
this is the greatest thing I've ever worn - anthony tuitavake
this is a blessing and an honour - neemia tialata
this is an opportunity - greg somerville
this is all of New Zealand together - ma'a nonu
this is a challenge to be the best - jerome kaino
this is the best I can do - andrew hore
this is for Mum and Dad - sione lauaki
this is the opportunity to feel alive! - andrew ellis
this is something I will never take for granted - anthony boric
this is everything I dreamed it would be - conrad smith
this is self-belief - brendon leonard
this is a precious gift - stephen donald
this is my part of a legacy - adam thompson
this is mana - Richard Kahui

RUGBY: McCaw in farm therapy

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sundaystartimes/4584286a6444.html

Sunday Star Times -Greg Ford,

Sunday, 15 June 2008

NEW ZEALANDERS struggling to recover from the shock of the world cup disaster in Cardiff last year can do no worse than look to inspirational All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.

McCaw, from a rural upbringing in North Otago, ditched his frustrations last October by getting his hands dirty on a farm, even calling it a form of "therapy".

His mate Bob Kyle owns a patch of dirt in Springfield near Christchurch. For McCaw it was a sanctuary from the gloom of Cardiff.

"I didn't do much, just a bit of calf-marking," he said. "I rip up there from time to time to shoot a few rabbits but this was a different [kind of therapy]."

McCaw said he needed to think, talk and work at something "other than rugby".

"Farming is great for that," he said. "There's a couple of other blokes up there I know and we don't generally talk about rugby. I took a week off to do some gliding too and that pretty much did the trick."

The farm stay business could not have had a better advert.

McCaw has been in imperious form of late, most notably in the Super 14 final and last week against the Irish. McCaw said re-signing with the NZRU until the end of 2011 lifted a weight from his shoulders.

A libertating feeling? "It's nice not having to worry about those sorts of things, I suppose. I was thinking along the lines of staying but now that I can come out and say it, yes, it does feel [liberating]," he said.

___
pics which have nothing to do with the article but with "Trade me"

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Clothing/Womenswear/Tops-shirts/Size-12/auction-159911673.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Rugby-league/Other/photos/a-159855754/p-69441444.htm

Richie's warning: You've got to be on guard in public

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4588596a22363.html

By MARC HINTON in Christchurch, RugbyHeaven
Wednesday, 18 June 2008


All Blacks captain Richie McCaw was not keen to weigh in on the controversy swirling round the England rugby team ahead of Saturday night's second test in Christchurch, though he has spoken out on the responsibilities he and his team-mates face when they go out in the public arena.

England boss talks

England scandal?

Benji set up?

Serious allegations have been made that four England players were involved in an incident in a private room at their luxury Auckland waterfront hotel following last Saturday's opening test against the All Blacks. Police are investigating the claims, though they have said at this stage that no formal complaint has been received.

Today England's stand-in manager Rob Andrew would only say, in addition to reading out a prepared statement released earlier in the day, that "the players concerned have the complete support of all players and management".

Andrew then asked the assembled media to "respect the fact that no further comment can be made or questions asked of either myself or the players on this matter".

McCaw was asked when he fronted the media at the All Blacks' hotel in Christchurch today how distracting allegations like those being faced by England could be ahead of a test match.

"I don't know," said McCaw. "I've never really had that. I understand that's the case but you'd have to ask them really."

McCaw was then asked if a controversy like this could serve to bind the England team even closer leading into a major test.

"I'm not sure," replied McCaw. "You could look at it two ways, [but] whether it does that or not, I'm not sure. In our situation I've never really had that so I can't comment."

But McCaw was prepared to be more forthright on the dangers faced by modern professional sportsmen going out in public. Already this week across the Tasman there has been a claim by New Zealand rugby league star Benji Marshall that he was set up by a member of the public who then sold images of a late-night incident to a newspaper.

"The reality is when you're an All Black there's people watching no matter whether you're on time off or whatever," said McCaw. "You have got to be aware and that's just a simple fact.
"And I guess we always see there's times when people perhaps let their guard down."

But McCaw refused to label the intense scrutiny as a "downside" of being an All Black.
"It's just something you accept that people watch what you do," he added.

The All Blacks captain, whose relationship with dancer Hayley Holt has already drawn its share of attention from certain segments of the media, said he did not feel too restricted by what he'd experienced living in Christchurch.

But he did agree a certain "responsibility" went with being an All Black in New Zealand.
"It's not just as captain, but as an All Black people look up to what you do. If people do wrong then [other] people find out about it. You do have to be aware, and I guess there are times when people make mistakes and you've just got to learn from it."

The England players were putting on their bravest faces ahead of the second test, and though they weren't allowed to be questioned on the alleged incidents, they did get a grilling on their "focus" and potential "distractions" ahead of Saturday night's international at AMI Stadium.
Young loose forward James Haskell said it was not difficult to shut out the distractions being faced this week.

"We've got a test match against New Zealand this week. We lost the first game and I don't think you can afford any distractions to get in your way. I think as players nothing should distract us. You're in the wrong job if you get distracted," he added.

Added reserve back Olly Barkley: "I don't think you get selected for England if you're a mental weed. Everyone knows there's things that aren't ideal at the moment, but they get on with the job. There's a game to play and hopefully a game to win."

It's an invidious position for England, for unless this story goes away it looks certain to hang over their heads all the way into the second test on Saturday night.

As if the All Blacks weren't enough for them to deal with!

McCaw doesn't want an England jersey

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/videoplayer/128133a22436.html

Henry fires salvo back at Andrew

http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/rugby/news/article/-/4640415/henry-fires-salvo-andrew

All Black coach Graham Henry has returned serve on England's caretaker rival Rob Andrew, calling his criticism of Richie McCaw an "old story".

On Monday Andrew, deputising for Martin Johnson on the two-test tour of New Zealand, hit-out at aspects of McCaw's performance in the first encounter at Eden Park.

McCaw had an outstanding night in the 37-20 win, again displaying his world-class skills at the breakdown.

But Andrew didn't see it that way, offering to provide the All Black captain with an England jersey as he believed he was constantly on England's side of the ruck.

A blunt Henry said the criticism of McCaw was to be expected, as it was from many touring teams in New Zealand.

"With Richie McCaw, that is an old story isn't it," Henry said."It happens every time we play against European sides, they are always contesting his legality at the tackle area. I guess we are used to it. I think he is the best player in the world in that particular position, in that particular skill. And people find it hard to handle. We think we are very fortunate to have a player of that immense ability playing in that particular position, which attracts a bit interest because he does turnover a bit of ball."

Henry ignited the war of words less than an hour after full-time at Eden Park, criticising England for adopting a "passive scrum" when their hopes of winning were dead and buried.

England hit back on Monday, with prop Matt Stevens blaming the scrum worries on All Black Neemia Tialata.

Andrew then went on the attack, criticising McCaw, the fact match referee Nigel Owens stayed in the same Auckland hotel as the All Blacks and also pointed the finger at the men in black for the scrummaging issues.

"I think we are both right, aren't we," Henry said in response to Andrew's assertions at scrum-time."I think if there is a contestable scrum, we are going to get a better product. I think if both sides contest the scrum, the results are going to be better all around for the spectators, for the players and what we are trying to achieve in the game. It is good that we agree on that."

Andrews' comments about Owens' accommodation arrangements were particularly barbed.
The IRB last year ruled that respective coaches could not meet with match officials in the lead-up to tests.

Andrew insinuated that the fact the All Blacks and Owens stayed in the same hotel would have provided Henry with a golden chance to raise any pre-test concerns.

Henry said that was nonsense, adding he was unsure where South Africa's Jonathan Kaplan was staying in the lead-up to this weekend's second test in Christchurch.

"I didn't even notice Nigel Owens in our hotel. If he was there, it is news to me," Henry said."But Jonathan is very welcome in any hotel he wants to stay in. If he wants to stay in ours, then that would be fine. I probably won't notice him either. The rules are that we don't discuss the game with referees prior. And we haven't done that because they are the rules. So I don't know if there is any advantage being in one hotel or the either. Coaches say unusual things at times, even I may have said some unusual things over the years. It wasn't a factor."

Henry has made four changes to his starting 15 against England.
That includes the introduction of rising backline stars Rudi Wulf and Richard Kahui for their test debuts. Adam Thomson also comes in at blindside flanker, with Rodney So'oialo reverting from No 6 to No 8. The other change sees Leon MacDonald coming off the bench to start at fullback for Mils Muliaina.

All Blacks versus England: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Rudi Wulf, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Anthony Boric, Sione Lauaki, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Mils Muliaina.

McCaw, a cheat?

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/videoplayer/128092a22436.html

Campbell Live (Tue, 17 Jun 2008)

Graham Henry comes face-to-face with the fans
http://www.3news.co.nz/Video/CampbellLive/tabid/367/articleID/59775/Default.aspx#video

All Black young-bloods reveal their secrets for living and breathing rugby
http://www.3news.co.nz/Video/AllBlackyoungbloodsrevealtheirsecretsforlivingandbreathingrugby/tabid/367/articleID/59776/cat/84/Default.aspx?articleID=59776#video

What's it like being selected for the All Blacks?
http://www.3news.co.nz/Video/WhatsitlikebeingselectedfortheAllBlacks/tabid/317/articleID/59777/cat/84/Default.aspx?articleID=59777#video

ABs yet to win over red and blacks The New Zealand All Blacks will be put to the test in red and black land. http://www.stuff.co.nz/videoplayer/128320a15515.html

Captain's run

Hey guys, by Monday at 4pm, I'll be officially done with uni, so then updates will be normal!

Pic from the Captain's run -sorry, don't remember which Friday it was! Wishing you were a grandma... (anyway!)

Wishing all the best to our local RGs with TV3 -I really hoped you'd be part of the audience (but who knows?)

Bye guys and talk to you by Tuesday =)

Mary*L

Richie McCaw talks about the England test

what about a forum?

Hey guys!
I hope you are all fine. I'm ok, my last exam is next Monday. After that, I'll have plenty of time to modified the articles I've published lately. Thank you so much for your patience!

Yesterday, I created a forum -which I thought would be better than the chatterbox as we are now more numerous and conversations are sometimes confusing...

Check the link ( http://richiemccaw.discutforum.com/index.htm ) and tell me about it ( marykoala@hotmail.fr )

Have a nice day,
Mary

McCaw says follow me like Fitzy

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4576725a22459.html

By LAURIE MAINS, Sunday News
Sunday, 08 June 2008

I was fortunate to be the coach of the All Blacks when arguably the country's greatest captain was at his peak.

And on Saturday night I was thrilled to see Richie McCaw put in a Sean Fitzpatrick-like effort in the All Blacks' first test of the year.

In the last three weeks it has been clear that McCaw has decided to play in a "follow me" way.

And on Saturday he was so inspirational as the All Blacks got up to beat what was a pretty good Irish side.

It was unfortunate for the All Blacks to have their first test of the year in the wet.

It does make it a lot harder to get your combinations working and to get rhythm into your game.

Having said that, it was a pretty typical first-test-of-the-year performance.

The All Blacks used a lot of pick and goes as they attempted to put pressure on the Irish in close. That's something we haven't seen a lot of from the team under this coaching panel. But credit must be given to Ireland.

They defended tenaciously and looked dangerous at times. There was a high error rate in the first half. Some of it can be attributed to the weather but players at this level are supposed to be able to rise above that.

But again, in the first test of the year, mistakes are inevitable.

It was satisfactory performance. The team played with a lot of emotion and they will be happy to have won. But there is plenty to work on, which is normally the case after the first outing of the winter.

It's too soon to judge areas of the game like the new-look front row and loose trio. Saturday night, with those conditions, wasn't about that. It was about hard work and winning.
And the All Blacks did both.

In the buildup to the test it was clear there is a lot of apathy regarding the All Blacks.
And certainly it is unheard of for Westpac Stadium not to be full for All Blacks tests and even Super 14 games.

Given the number of empty seats at the stadium there are some serious issues.
I can understand people's disillusionment with Graham Henry's reappointment when there were better options for the job.

But at the end of the day this is our national game, and despite what we felt about the coaches, we do have to support the All Blacks.

It must be said, though, that the blame for the apathy regarding rugby lies at the feet of Steve Tew and the NZRU board, who could have avoided the negativity by not making the decision they made late last year that only they understood.

Happy McCaw extends NZRU contract till 2011

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4577766a22430.html

'The black jersey is the most important thing to me'

By MARC HINTON, RugbyHeaven
Monday, 09 June 2008

Despite the difficulties of last year's World Cup and the inevitable fallout that followed, Richie McCaw says his enjoyment of rugby remains as high as it's ever been, persuading him to stay on in New Zealand through until at least the end of 2011.

RH video: Richie's big call

The All Blacks skipper announced a two-year extension to his NZRU contract at a media conference in Auckland on Monday. It is significant on a number of fronts, not the least of which is that it keeps arguably the most influential player in the New Zealand game firmly on these shores at least until after the next World Cup which will also be held here.

And it has not taken a big-money "sabbatical" for New Zealand rugby to retain the brilliant openside flanker, hailed by his assistant coach Steve Hansen at the weekend as the best in All Black history.

McCaw confirmed at the announcement of his new deal that at this stage he had no intention of taking a "sabbatical" in the north, and that, if anything, he was more interested in a prolonged "break" from the game at some strategic point over the next World Cup cycle
NZRU boss Steve Tew hailed the re-signing as a significant achievement in a difficult climate of player retention, saying on several occasions that the re-commitment sent "very strong signals" to other players in the All Blacks squad who could have similar decision to make soon.

"For me it's all about the enjoyment I get out of playing here in New Zealand both for the Crusaders and All Blacks," said McCaw at his Monday announcement. It means he will likely get a tilt at his third World Cup in 2011. "When I really weighed it up it’s what makes me click and it's what I enjoy,'' added the 27-year-old loose forward.

McCaw, who said the black jersey was "the most important thing to me", added that team-mate Dan Carter’s decision to take the sabbatical as part of a new deal through to 2011 did not factor into his own re-commitment.

"It’s great he was thinking along the same lines. There's been a lot of talk about players leaving, and everyone’s different. You’ve got to make your own decision and hopefully as time goes on there will be a few more [players] in the same boat."

But McCaw confirmed that for him right now the "sabbatical", a la Carter's six-month deal with Toulon, was not something that motivated him. He said he was feeling "fresh" and felt his body was "handling the rugby OK".

But he added: "It's obviously there to discuss with the NZRU in case things change over the next couple of seasons. [But] I've got no intentions of thinking like that at the moment. It's probably more if perhaps I needed a rest rather than going away to play. That's there to talk about if needed but at this stage it's definitely not in my thinking at all."

McCaw said lucrative offers from rich northern clubs never really came into the equation.

"There’s more money available overseas, but personally, it wouldn’t bring the same challenge. When you talk about offers, it's not till you signal you’re keen to go you have those sort of things. In terms of people saying offers are coming in all the time, it’s not really like that. If you make the signal you’re keen to go offshore that’s when it probably happens."

But was he not just a little tempted by the big money that appears to be on offer?

"You always think about everything that's out there. [But] it was never serious. There's got to be a reason for that, and the reason would be you aren't enjoying what you're doing. For me I've always enjoyed it, and so far this year I've had a lot of fun playing for the Crusaders, and obviously getting back in here. As long as that continues, and I'm sure it will, I'm happy doing what I'm doing."

The now 60-test veteran said it had felt like the right time to put his commitment to New Zealand rugby on paper. Even after he'd been fingered as a significant part of the leadership problems for the All Blacks in the much-maligned World Cup review.

"Last year it was hard to think too much further ahead, but I’ve had some time this year and was pretty keen to make that commitment. I’m pretty excited about it," he added.

NZRU chief executive Tew expressed delight at the agreement reached.

"Richie’s commitment to New Zealand rugby is hugely significant for everyone involved in rugby in New Zealand. It shows how much the jersey means and that we can keep world-class players in New Zealand. Richie is recognised as the best openside flanker in the world and his extension is a positive sign that we can create the right environment in New Zealand rugby for players of his calibre."

McCaw says break bigger than 'sabbatical'

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4579036a22363.html

By MARC HINTON, RugbyHeaven

Tuesday, 10 June 2008

Is it the first sign of a lifting of the long, dark cloud that hangs over New Zealand rugby? Certainly Richie McCaw's announcement on Monday that he's hanging around at least until the end of 2011 has the potential to lighten the gloom markedly.

RH video: Richie's big call

McCaw re-signs with NZ

Tew-riffic, says Steve

This was the sort of agreement that must have come like manna from heaven for the embattled New Zealand Rugby Union. Fighting a ferocious mix of public apathy and antipathy, having their much-liked and admired All Blacks captain reaffirm his commitment to the New Zealand game certainly put the first sign of a smile back on the face of the organisation's leader, Steve Tew.
Well it might have, too.

A day after Steve Hansen anointed him the finest All Black No 7 in our history, McCaw unveiled a two-year extension to his deal with the NZRU that sends a clear message to the money-waving agents of the north.

It goes something like this: some All Black jerseys may well be for sale, but the No 7 one certainly is not.

McCaw's words after announcing his decision would also have been music to the NZRU's ears. He spoke of his "enjoyment" at playing for the All Blacks and Crusaders and at his excitement over what lies ahead. They were factors, he added, at this stage of his career that were not up for the bidding.

What is more, he also confirmed that though the six-month "sabbatical" in the north might be his old mate Dan Carter's cup of tea, for a hard-working, often-battered openside flanker like himself it remained the furthest thing from his mind.

"I've got no intentions of thinking like that at the moment," he said.

Of more interest, he confirmed, might be the chance to factor an extra recovery period into his schedule. Perhaps even after a long, 15-test schedule like the one he has in front of him through the rest of this year. It's something that has been "discussed" as part of his new deal.

"They're definitely open to talking about that if required," said McCaw of a personal reconditioning period that is not only sensible, but surely a must for the invaluable All Blacks skipper."At the end of the day if you're getting to the point where you need to talk about it you'd be silly to carry on because you aren't going to last long anyway. I know Tewy and the All Black coaches are certainly like 'if you're feeling like that come and talk to us'. It's great to know you've got the sort of relationship you can go and do that."

It's put to the All Blacks captain that, indeed, a break would be more important to him than a stint playing more rugby up north, even if it is for a small fortune.

"That wouldn't interest me to be quite honest," said McCaw. "Who knows down the track, but at the moment it's probably not something I'd do."

In terms of a break he might look to work into his schedule, McCaw added: "It might be after a tour you have an extra month off before you get back to Super 14. You may not miss any games but perhaps just be out of the environment. It's little things like that.

"Hopefully it won't become an issue, but if we get to the point of 14 or 15 tests this year I might need it. But at least knowing you can go and have a yarn about that, it's nice to know."

McCaw said the sort of money being thrown at Carter was eye-opening, but for him right now it wasn't something that would entice him away from New Zealand.

"You've got to go for the right reasons, the reasons that stimulate you," said the 27-year-old 60-test All Black. "If I was just going over there to earn a bit extra, I just wouldn't do that to be honest. I'd have to go because I want to go. At the moment I want to be here playing."

Not that McCaw, who's estimated to earn around $600,000 annually for his duties as national captain, is ruling out an overseas shift entirely.
"Don't get me wrong. You've got to back yourself and at the end of 2011 I'll still be 30, and there could be opportunities there then. Who knows?"

As incredulous English media types continue to prod him about possible regrets over not heading north, he shot back: "I talk to guys overseas, and the grass sometimes isn't always greener. It's a pretty hard competition they play in and it is a long winter."

Besides, McCaw says he has more than enough on his plate now, leading the hoped for post-World Cup resurgence in New Zealand rugby.

"It's very stimulating doing stuff like that, contributing in a good way to ensure the All Blacks and New Zealand rugby carry on the way we have over the last few years. When you hear mates say they're moving on, you can't begrudge them their right as individuals. But the big thing that I can have an influence over is helping to make the All Black environment fun, so that it stimulates guys to be here."

And what of Hansen's head-spinning assessment? A day after the 21-11 victory over Ireland, the All Blacks forwards coach had said McCaw "is the greatest No 7 New Zealand has ever had". He pointed out that putting him above Michael Jones and Josh Kronfeld, among others, was a big call but that he "probably heads them off".

McCaw almost blushed to be told of his fellow Cantab's lofty claim.
"I didn't realise he'd said that. There was probably a bit of emotion there perhaps after the weekend. I don't quite know what to say about that. To be even mentioned in the same breath as those guys who were my heroes growing up is pretty special really, pretty cool."

McCaw inspirational

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4576671a2201.html

By GRANT FOX, Sunday Star Times

Sunday, 08 June 2008

This was a tough Irish challenge the All Blacks did well to stare down.

We were unusually vulnerable going into this test and there were undoubtedly some nervous fans after the scores were deadlocked at halftime and then the Irish nosed ahead early in the second half.

That Richie McCaw's men absorbed the pressure, adapted to the conditions and slowly squeezed the life out of the brave men in green by set piece dominance and relentless physicality should provide much confidence.

As for McCaw, what a performance!

Right from the moment he led the team out, I could see Richie's hunger. This was an inspired leader's performance, underlining once and for all that we have the best possible captain already at our helm.

They were tough conditions that were always going to dictate how this test would be played.

The first half was a real slog and, with limited preparation and lack of seasoned combinations, New Zealand did well.

The All Blacks' set pieces were impressive.

The scrum, even though prop John Afoa was lost early, was dominant and the lineout, with Rodney So'oialo proving a reliable option, delivered.

I felt we were also very effective at the breakdown, even if ref Chris White seemed to spend too much time trying to peer into the breakdown while ignoring what was going on around the fringes. Because what was happening there was a lot of offside play from Ireland.

They were tactics that could have frustrated the All Blacks and I was encouraged that they rose above them, dealt with it in their own way and forged on.

Bring on England.

McCaw the main man for years to come

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4577441a1823.html

Richie McCaw's rugby personal crusade against Ireland on Saturday shows exactly why he will become one of the great All Blacks captains says assistant coach Steve Hansen.

Never one to shower praise on individuals, Hansen said McCaw's performance at Westpac Stadium was among the finest of a stellar 60-test career, inspiring New Zealand to a tight 21-11 win.

McCaw was the most experienced All Black in the team for the first time and he seemed to take the responsibility to heart, tearing into the fray from the outset with a mix of brutal tackling, potent ball-carrying and contesting of breakdown possession.

It was like gold in the dreadful conditions and helped slowly turn around a tentative start from New Zealand which opened the door on the possibility of a boilover.

Hansen was convinced the All Blacks' World Cup quarterfinal loss to France at Cardiff eight months ago had stung the 27-year-old, along with some questions about his leadership ability emerging after the World Cup review was released from the public and media.

"This was an important game for him, it was an opportunity to say 'right, we're moving forward' and give people something positive to talk about rather than all the negativity," Hansen said, marvelling at how McCaw had transferred his Super 14 playoff form with the Crusaders straight into the test arena. "He just keeps playing and playing really well," Hansen said. "You know when he's really up for it, which is most of the time, I might add."

The match was McCaw's 23rd as captain, moving him past Taine Randell and level with long-time provincial team-mate Reuben Thorne in third on the all-time test skippers' list. Sean Fitzpatrick leads with 51 tests and Wilson Whineray compiled 30.

Hansen believed McCaw would soon be mentioned in the same breath as the latter pair, who had carved a niche for themselves among the great names of the sport.

"I'm sure as time goes by he will become one of our great leaders," Hansen said."He's very much in his infancy as far as captaincy goes. We all know when you first start out as a captain it's not easy. He's done a remarkably good job from the get go but he's just going to get better and better at it."

The All Blacks have moved to preserve McCaw's longevity in the game by shifting fellow-workaholic Rodney So'oialo from No 8 to the side of the scrum.
The pair played on the left and right side for much of Saturday's game, effectively sharing the openside flanker workload.

"Both of them really physically knock their bodies around so hopefully it will look after them a little bit," Hansen said.

England are sure to be planning a "stop Richie" campaign to reduce his effectiveness when they face New Zealand in the first of two tests at Auckland on Saturday.

Australia famously tried to rough McCaw up at the same Eden Park venue two years ago and a frustrated Ireland also resorted to underhand tactics at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.
However, it backfired when prop Marcus Horan was spotted throwing a punch at the prone flanker, conceding a 60th minute penal try that broke an 11-11 deadlock and sent the All Blacks on the way to victory.

Second five-eighth Ma'a Nonu slid over for the matchwinning try 3min later.
McCaw praised his team's composure throughout the match, saying they were never flustered when the visitors led through most of the first half, helped by try to Paddy Wallace that cancelled out an early score to All Blacks winger Sitiveni Sivivatu.

"Even when we were 11-all in the second half, there was no panic. There was composure there, belief in what we were doing," he said."We were hoping to use the ball a bit more but we realised today it was probably going to be nasty weather so we adapted pretty well.The forwards took charge of set piece, we won most of our lineout ball, our drives were right there."

Coach Graham Henry believed his team will face an English side stronger up front than the Irish.
He hoped his new-look forward pack would take confidence from their first hitout of the season.
That included shaven-headed Hurricanes prop Neemia Tialata and John Schwalger, who stood tall in the absence of the injured Tony Woodcock and following a knee injury on the half-hour to his Blues team-mate John Afoa.

Uncapped Ben Franks, 24, was called into the squad as prop cover when they arrived in Auckland yesterday but was an unlikely starter as Crusaders team-mate Greg Somerville would be back from a week's rest to pack down against England steamroller Andy Sheridan.
Hansen indicated there would be few selection changes as the coaches were keen to bed in early combinations.

The only other injury to emerge from Saturday was a broken nose for So'oialo, suffered when accidentally struck by the forearm of team-mate Brad Thorn.

News from over Tasman

Former Crusaders coah, Robbie Deans (RMC 5.10 ; 5.50)

http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-au&brand=ninemsn&tab=m167&from=39&vid=85812B9A-9612-47D7-9AB1-0EF28A114C04&playlist=videoByTag:mk:en-AU:vs:0:tag:AUsport_AUSportsGeneral:ns:MSNVideo_Top_Cat:ps:10:sd:-1:ind:1:ff:8A

http://video.msn.com/video.aspx/?mkt=en-au&brand=ninemsn&tab=m167&from=39&vid=85812B9A-9612-47D7-9AB1-0EF28A114C04&playlist=videoByTag:mk:en-AU:vs:0:tag:AUsport_AUSportsGeneral:ns:MSNVideo_Top_Cat:ps:10:sd:-1:ind:1:ff:8A&wa=wsignin1.0

Merci FSS

Time will tell who was right, but Robbie will be missed (good luck!)

Rugby: All Blacks scrape past Ireland

http://www.tv3.co.nz/Video/RugbyAllBlacksscrapepastIreland/tabid/317/articleID/58667/cat/71/Default.aspx

___________
http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/rugby/news/article/-/4146896/winning-return-hot-cold-blacks

Flanker McCaw was influential throughout, starting in the opening minute when he crumpled Irish second five-eighth and sole tryscorer Paddy Wallace in a thunderous tackle.
Forward coach Steve Hansen agreed McCaw's influence was a massive one, mirroring his form when he led the Crusaders imperiously through the Super 14 playoffs.
"The last three weeks have been pretty big games. The Crusaders had gone through a bit of a flat patch and he knew he had to stand up as a leader in that side," Hansen said.
"It's been a long time between the World Cup and the game last night and it's hurt a lot of people and he was the captain and was probably hurting more than anybody."

___________
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4576671a2201.html

As for McCaw, what a performance!
Right from the moment he led the team out, I could see Richie's hunger. This was an inspired leader's performance, underlining once and for all that we have the best possible captain already at our helm.

___________
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4576672a2201.html

So they looked to Dan Carter to produce his Crusaders form, and to McCaw and Ali Williams in the engine room. McCaw and Williams answered the call best, with McCaw almost preternatural in his ability to hit a maul, make ground running with the ball and then back up at the next breakdown, all within a stunningly short time frame.

___________
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4576830a10295.html

As usual, this skipper was at the heart of the All Blacks' effort up front. McCaw led the tackle count and was also a busy ball carrier.
He earned rich praise from his masters.
"Richie is Richie," said coach Graham Henry. "I thought he was the outstanding player on the field."
Forwards coach Steve Hansen detected a special drive from McCaw for this match.
"Richie is like everybody else. He's copped a wee bit of flak in the media. The last time he played for the All Blacks he got beaten and the All Blacks don't like getting beaten so he's obviously come out and wanted a big performance and he's had one," said Hansen.

Surprise (...um, nope!): Richie to stay in NZ till 2011!!!!

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/1318241/1837871
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/video_popup_windows_skin/1838771

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has extended his New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) contract until the end of 2011. The 27-year-old loose forward announced on Monday that he has committed to the All Blacks and New Zealand through to the next Rugby World Cup.

"The black jersey is the most important thing to me," McCaw stated. "Playing for the All Blacks is the ultimate and I'm really enjoying the Crusaders. There's more money available overseas, but personally, it wouldn't bring the same challenge."

NZRU CEO Steve Tew expressed delight at the agreement reached with the All Blacks captain: "Richie's commitment to New Zealand rugby is hugely significant for everyone involved in rugby in New Zealand. It shows how much the jersey means and that we can keep world-class players in New Zealand. Richie is recognised as the best openside flanker in the world and his extension is a positive sign that we can create the right environment in New Zealand rugby for players of his calibre."

McCaw's contract includes a sabbatical option, but the All Blacks flanker said that he currently has no plans to take it: "Right now, I'm feeling fresh mentally and my body seems to be handling the rugby ok so I have no plans for a sabbatical. I see myself playing here in New Zealand through to the next World Cup, but I appreciate that the sabbatical option is there to discuss with the NZRU in case things change over the next couple of seasons."
___________
http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/SportsNews/RugbyMcCawextendshiscontractto2011/tabid/317/articleID/58786/cat/71/Default.aspx#video

http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/SportsNews/Story/tabid/415/articleID/58786/cat/71/Default.aspx

Richie McCaw made an irrepressible start to his rugby World Cup atonement against Ireland and today delivered more heartening news, the All Blacks’ captain is committed to a third quest to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy.

McCaw announced a two-year extension to his current contract with New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU), a term that encompasses the 2011 World Cup, surely his last opportunity to emulate David Kirk and lift the symbol of rugby supremacy at Eden Park.

The 27-year-old's decision to remain loyal to the NZRU was hardly surprising but still a fillip for an organisation locked in damage control mode following the All Blacks quarterfinal exit in Cardiff last October.

A review of the World Cup campaign may have been critical of McCaw's leadership during the two-point loss to France but he is clearly seen as the player to lead the All Blacks on-field rehabilitation long term.

McCaw began his personal crusade with an inspiring performance during the 21-11 victory over the Irish in a frigid Wellington on Saturday and reiterated his playing future lay in New Zealand, though, like first five-eighth Daniel Carter, his new contract does incorporate a sabbatical clause.
But while Carter is poised to take a six-month working holiday in France at the end of November's Grand Slam tour, McCaw said playing overseas, while more lucrative, would not be as fulfilling.

Should McCaw opt to take a break it would be to allow his body to recuperate from the weekly pounding it sustains, and the Super 14 appears the only window as the national provincial competition is already practically off limits to All Blacks.

"Right now I'm feeling fresh mentally and my body seems to be handling the rugby OK so I have no plans for a sabbatical. It's there more for if you need a rest rather than going overseas. I see myself playing here in New Zealand through to the next World Cup," McCaw said.

However McCaw, who played his 60th test last weekend, said he appreciated a sabbatical was available to discuss with the NZRU "in case things change over the next couple of seasons".
NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said although Carter and McCaw had sabbaticals built into their contracts, the option would remain a rarity.

"We've said we'll treat every case on its merits. It's not something we'd be comfortable with too many players exercising because we'd end up with a pretty piecemeal retention strategy. But for the guys committing for a longer term and those that have played a lot of rugby, we have to be careful how we manage them through that period," Tew said.

Tew was hoping the re-signing of McCaw and the impending extension of Carter's contract to include the 2011 World Cup are positive signs as the NZRU strives to regain support lost through the World Cup and retention of head coach Graham Henry.

"On top of the decision Dan is working through, we think Richie's decision is a good signal for the future. We're working to retain as much talent as we can and the economies of the English and French clubs makes it hard for us. We're aware we have to win the hearts and minds of our fans .... hopefully the sort of signals Richie and DC (Carter) are making will be part of that for us," Tew said.

An announcement on Carter's future was expected today but the identity of the French club that has secured his services, reportedly Tana Umaga's Toulon, remained under wraps.
Meanwhile, McCaw said he had not been inundated with offers from overseas clubs, probably because he had never expressed a desire to leave.

"In terms of people saying offers are coming in all the time, it's not really like that," he said.

___________

ps to Tess : next time you make me freak out, be sure to have left new zealand before I arrive =)

ps to Richie : thank you very much for confirming our thoughts. Wishing you all the very best for the next seasons (with the Crusaders and with the All Blacks!)

Merci Cécile!

Ali Williams on Good Morning (see around 5.00)

____________
Pressure on Graham Henry :

Out from shadow, still in spotlight

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominionpost/4574991a6033.html

TO BE MODIFIED

JIM KAYES - The Dominion Post Saturday, 07 June 2008

These are peculiar times for rugby in New Zealand.

A test match will be played in Wellington tonight and attention should be focused on whether the All Blacks can keep their unbeaten record against Ireland intact.
The result holds some interest, but the match is not the focal point for most fans. Instead, debate rages over whether an All Blacks side coached by Graham Henry deserves support.
The division is part of the lingering hangover from last year's World Cup campaign, with as much dissatisfaction over the result in Cardiff as there is over what a shambles the whole year was.
The Super 14 showed with its empty stands how people were turning their backs on the national game and tonight is no different.
About 29,000 tickets to the 34,500-seat Westpac Stadium have sold and, for the first time since the All Blacks played Fiji in 2002, a Wellington test is unlikely to sell out. Against this backdrop of disinterest is alarm at the increasing tide of players leaving New Zealand for more lucrative fields and concerns with the controversial "Carter Clause".
Toss in the plummeting finances of the New Zealand Rugby Union and these are bleak days.
The path back is with the All Blacks. Defeat to Ireland would be a disaster for Henry, whose his reputation is gossamer thin. A loss would only add to the reworked version of "Bring Back Buck" that the Robbie Deans fan club persists with.
What Henry needs is for the All Blacks to regain their winning ways - and in style.
Sure, it will only enhance their reputation of being winners between World Cups, but for now that is all Henry can do.
He should get the victory, at least, tonight, but it might be tight if the weather is foul.
"Whatever it's like, we have to be smart with what we do," skipper Richie McCaw said. "If it's wet and windy we have to play the right sort of rugby. Playing at the right end of the field if it's like that is pretty critical.
"We may have to adjust things a wee bit. We've talked about that and, hopefully, if that's the case, we will go out and do that, but we still want to use the ball at the right times and hopefully our skills are good enough to do that."
This is not an Irish team to be trifled with. It has the bulk of the Heineken Cup-winning Munster pack and some experience and talent in the backs.
But even on their best days Ireland have lacked the knockout punch needed to defeat the All Blacks. This side looks no different.
If Ireland win it will be only because the All Blacks have played extremely poorly.
There is a chance that may happen, as the All Blacks have had only a week together, but there should be enough established combinations to see them home.
There is also no absence of motivation as most of these All Blacks have points to prove.
For those who were at the World Cup there are the demons of Cardiff to assuage, while others such as Nonu and Jerome Kaino have test careers to kick-start again.
Nonu has been a wrecking ball for Wellington and the Hurricanes but has failed to establish himself in the All Blacks. The decks have been cleared for him at second five-eighth.
Kaino has the strange positional switch with Rodney So'oialo and will rely heavily on the pack to give him a platform to work from, but he too needs to fire quickly.
The same applies in the front row, where Neemia Tialata comes off a poor Super 14 and John Afoa a good one, yet they share the goal of needing to establish themselves as All Blacks.
The All Blacks will also have to contend with a return to the old laws and the pedantic refereeing of England's Chris White, but they should still emerge the victors.