All Blacks vs France
First Half: http://www.arcrugby.co.nz/audio/72_first.mp3
Second Half: http://www.arcrugby.co.nz/audio/72_second.mp3
***
All Blacks vs Italy
First Half: http://www.arcrugby.co.nz/audio/73_first.mp3
Second Half: http://www.arcrugby.co.nz/audio/73_second.mp3
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
All Black Roadshow draws the crowds
http://www.ashburtonguardian.co.nz/index.asp?articleid=13025
By Erin Bishop
It was hard to pick who was more excited to meet Richie McCaw yesterday – the kids hanging on his every word, the dads looking on in awe, or the mums with the sparkle in their eyes.
Parks were hard to come by at the Ashburton Domain when the Mastercard All Blacks Road Show hit town with McCaw and fellow injured All Black Andrew Hore in tow to answer questions, sign autographs and test their skills against many of Mid Canterbury’s youngsters.
Five large inflatable challenges included throwing to the lineout, pushing over the line with a horizontal bungee, passing left and right, kicking a goal and being tested under the high ball.
McCaw and former All Black legend Buck Shelford went head to head on the horizontal bungee before Hore showed the kids how throwing to a lineout was done – although he missed a few and proved that even an All Black isn’t perfect.
njury while Hore injured his ribs in the first minute of the first French test three weeks ago, which the All Blacks went on to lose.Hore hasn’t had such a good time with the All Blacks lately.
Before the French game, his last All Blacks appearance was against the Wallabies in Hong Kong where he broke his ankle in the second minute of the game.
Both players know all too well that injuries are part and parcel of sport.
That’s why, despite finding it hard on the sidelines, they’ve been pleased with what they’ve seen the All Blacks produce the past few weeks with players like Ashburton born lock Isaac Ross coming into the fold.
Blooding new players like that is adding to the All Blacks’ depth, they say.Hore said Ross showed he was more than capable in the All Blacks environment in Saturday night’s win over Italy.
Things like the road show didn’t exist when Hore and McCaw were growing up in Central Otago, but McCaw did remember John Timu visiting his school.
“I remember when I was back on those guys’ shoes,” he said as he took in the large crowd of adoring young fans who hung on his every word yesterday.
He said the big cities got the test matches so it was great to be a part of something like the road show, which allowed the players to get out amongst the smaller communities.
The All Blacks have a week off to freshen up now and Hore is hopeful of making his comeback on the club rugby scene with Maniatoto next week.
Both Hore and McCaw plan on being there for the first Tri-Nations match against Australia in Auckland on July 18, before heading off on a tough two-game South African mission.
By Erin Bishop
It was hard to pick who was more excited to meet Richie McCaw yesterday – the kids hanging on his every word, the dads looking on in awe, or the mums with the sparkle in their eyes.
Parks were hard to come by at the Ashburton Domain when the Mastercard All Blacks Road Show hit town with McCaw and fellow injured All Black Andrew Hore in tow to answer questions, sign autographs and test their skills against many of Mid Canterbury’s youngsters.
Five large inflatable challenges included throwing to the lineout, pushing over the line with a horizontal bungee, passing left and right, kicking a goal and being tested under the high ball.
McCaw and former All Black legend Buck Shelford went head to head on the horizontal bungee before Hore showed the kids how throwing to a lineout was done – although he missed a few and proved that even an All Black isn’t perfect.
njury while Hore injured his ribs in the first minute of the first French test three weeks ago, which the All Blacks went on to lose.Hore hasn’t had such a good time with the All Blacks lately.
Before the French game, his last All Blacks appearance was against the Wallabies in Hong Kong where he broke his ankle in the second minute of the game.
Both players know all too well that injuries are part and parcel of sport.
That’s why, despite finding it hard on the sidelines, they’ve been pleased with what they’ve seen the All Blacks produce the past few weeks with players like Ashburton born lock Isaac Ross coming into the fold.
Blooding new players like that is adding to the All Blacks’ depth, they say.Hore said Ross showed he was more than capable in the All Blacks environment in Saturday night’s win over Italy.
Things like the road show didn’t exist when Hore and McCaw were growing up in Central Otago, but McCaw did remember John Timu visiting his school.
“I remember when I was back on those guys’ shoes,” he said as he took in the large crowd of adoring young fans who hung on his every word yesterday.
He said the big cities got the test matches so it was great to be a part of something like the road show, which allowed the players to get out amongst the smaller communities.
The All Blacks have a week off to freshen up now and Hore is hopeful of making his comeback on the club rugby scene with Maniatoto next week.
Both Hore and McCaw plan on being there for the first Tri-Nations match against Australia in Auckland on July 18, before heading off on a tough two-game South African mission.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Lochore-to-All-Blacks-Prepare-for-war
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/2517395/Lochore-to-All-Blacks-Prepare-for-war
All Blacks great Sir Brian Lochore gave the current side the jolt they needed when he declared: "You were ready for battle last week but you weren't ready for war."
As usual one of the elder statesmen of the New Zealand game was spot on with his summation of the All Blacks test loss against France in Dunedin and the need to bring their full artillery for the rematch in Wellington on Saturday night.
Lochore, the former All Blacks captain, coach and a fourth selector with the current management until the end of 2007, attended the captain's run at the Cake Tin on a sunny Friday morning in the capital.
It was there that he offered his summation to coach Graham Henry as they watched the All Blacks put the finishing touches to what they hope will prove a better week of preparation.
"I thought that was a pretty good statement from BJ. He said (a lot of) the boys just don't understand what is required until they have experienced that. I will relay that message to the team and hopefully they are ready for war tomorrow night," said Henry, adding that it bore home what he and his new-look team had been reflecting on for the past six days after they were stunned 27-22 for a rare home defeat.
"It's been a big learning curve and if we haven't learnt from last week we are in trouble. Another week together is always very helpful. They have their feet under the table a bit now and they know what test match rugby is all about."
Henry believed most of the adjustments for his new players were mental, but they also needed to be more physical.
"It's a different level of physicality and it takes a wee bit of time for the All Blacks to get into that groove for what is necessary to play at that physicality."
Henry said he sensed a real edge to the team this week.
Skipper Mils Muliaina echoed the thoughts of his coach when he said it was about the players learning from their mistakes.
But perhaps the biggest worry about this second test side is whether the selectors have learnt from their mistakes, particularly in the back row.
There is a better balance to the trio but still a major question mark hangs over No 8. One young man has been axed Liam Messam was publicly executed by the management when they named the side for Wellington and another young man thrown in, with Kieran Read asked to play No 8 when he, like Messam, is a preferred blindside.
France enjoy an area of strength in this position with Louis Picamoles one of their standouts in a stunning Dunedin effort.
The All Blacks will be better for the return of blindside Jerome Kaino who needs to quickly rediscover the enforcer role he performed so well last year.
They should also find things easier at the breakdowns with a specialist openside in Tanerau Latimer, a No 7 who Henry believes "has the skills and pedigree" for this assignment.
And Conrad Smith's presence in the midfield should bring a mix of calmness and explosiveness to a key are of the backline that was largely ineffective last week.
But for all the talk that has gone on in both camps over the past few days there is almost as much uncertainty hanging over this rematch as there was for the first encounter.
But perhaps most of it now lies with the French. That's the way it goes with their unpredictable rugby team. You never know which side will turn up. Will we see genius and flair, a rugged forward effort, or a mistake-riddled side whose confidence can fall away as quickly as it soared last week?
One thing for sure is that the All Blacks team that runs out in Wellington will be much better in some of the key areas where they let themselves down so badly last week urgency, physicality and aggression.
They have trained that way all week. It has been at the very core of their practices. They have beaten themselves up and now they are ready to turn their anger on to the French.
Add that to their simmering skill levels and it should be enough to right the rocky start to their 2009 campaign.
It's a rare All Blacks team that loses consecutive matches, particularly to the same opposition.
And while there remains a vulnerable look to this side in many departments the key area of attitude should be spot-on this time.
The players need to have the words of Lochore echoing through their heads in the countdown to kickoff.
NEW ZEALAND: 15 Mils Muliaina (c), 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: 16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 John Afoa, 18 Bryn Evans, 19 George Whitelock, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Luke McAlister, 22 Isaia Toeava
FRANCE: 15 Maxime Medard, 14 Cedric Heymans, 13 Maxime Mermoz, 12 Vincent Clerc, 11 Damien Traille, 10 Francois Trinh-Duc, 9 Julien Dupuy, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Fulgence Ouedraogo, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (c), 5 Romain Millo-Chluski, 4 Sebastien Chabal, 3 Nicholas Mas, 2 William Servat, 1 Fabien Barcella.
Reserves: 16 Dimitri Szarzewski, 17 Thomas Domingo, 18 Remy Martin, 19 Damien Chouly, 20 Dimitri Yachvili, 21 Yannick Jauzion, 22 Mathieu Bastareaud.
Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
All Blacks great Sir Brian Lochore gave the current side the jolt they needed when he declared: "You were ready for battle last week but you weren't ready for war."
As usual one of the elder statesmen of the New Zealand game was spot on with his summation of the All Blacks test loss against France in Dunedin and the need to bring their full artillery for the rematch in Wellington on Saturday night.
Lochore, the former All Blacks captain, coach and a fourth selector with the current management until the end of 2007, attended the captain's run at the Cake Tin on a sunny Friday morning in the capital.
It was there that he offered his summation to coach Graham Henry as they watched the All Blacks put the finishing touches to what they hope will prove a better week of preparation.
"I thought that was a pretty good statement from BJ. He said (a lot of) the boys just don't understand what is required until they have experienced that. I will relay that message to the team and hopefully they are ready for war tomorrow night," said Henry, adding that it bore home what he and his new-look team had been reflecting on for the past six days after they were stunned 27-22 for a rare home defeat.
"It's been a big learning curve and if we haven't learnt from last week we are in trouble. Another week together is always very helpful. They have their feet under the table a bit now and they know what test match rugby is all about."
Henry believed most of the adjustments for his new players were mental, but they also needed to be more physical.
"It's a different level of physicality and it takes a wee bit of time for the All Blacks to get into that groove for what is necessary to play at that physicality."
Henry said he sensed a real edge to the team this week.
Skipper Mils Muliaina echoed the thoughts of his coach when he said it was about the players learning from their mistakes.
But perhaps the biggest worry about this second test side is whether the selectors have learnt from their mistakes, particularly in the back row.
There is a better balance to the trio but still a major question mark hangs over No 8. One young man has been axed Liam Messam was publicly executed by the management when they named the side for Wellington and another young man thrown in, with Kieran Read asked to play No 8 when he, like Messam, is a preferred blindside.
France enjoy an area of strength in this position with Louis Picamoles one of their standouts in a stunning Dunedin effort.
The All Blacks will be better for the return of blindside Jerome Kaino who needs to quickly rediscover the enforcer role he performed so well last year.
They should also find things easier at the breakdowns with a specialist openside in Tanerau Latimer, a No 7 who Henry believes "has the skills and pedigree" for this assignment.
And Conrad Smith's presence in the midfield should bring a mix of calmness and explosiveness to a key are of the backline that was largely ineffective last week.
But for all the talk that has gone on in both camps over the past few days there is almost as much uncertainty hanging over this rematch as there was for the first encounter.
But perhaps most of it now lies with the French. That's the way it goes with their unpredictable rugby team. You never know which side will turn up. Will we see genius and flair, a rugged forward effort, or a mistake-riddled side whose confidence can fall away as quickly as it soared last week?
One thing for sure is that the All Blacks team that runs out in Wellington will be much better in some of the key areas where they let themselves down so badly last week urgency, physicality and aggression.
They have trained that way all week. It has been at the very core of their practices. They have beaten themselves up and now they are ready to turn their anger on to the French.
Add that to their simmering skill levels and it should be enough to right the rocky start to their 2009 campaign.
It's a rare All Blacks team that loses consecutive matches, particularly to the same opposition.
And while there remains a vulnerable look to this side in many departments the key area of attitude should be spot-on this time.
The players need to have the words of Lochore echoing through their heads in the countdown to kickoff.
NEW ZEALAND: 15 Mils Muliaina (c), 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: 16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 John Afoa, 18 Bryn Evans, 19 George Whitelock, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Luke McAlister, 22 Isaia Toeava
FRANCE: 15 Maxime Medard, 14 Cedric Heymans, 13 Maxime Mermoz, 12 Vincent Clerc, 11 Damien Traille, 10 Francois Trinh-Duc, 9 Julien Dupuy, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Fulgence Ouedraogo, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (c), 5 Romain Millo-Chluski, 4 Sebastien Chabal, 3 Nicholas Mas, 2 William Servat, 1 Fabien Barcella.
Reserves: 16 Dimitri Szarzewski, 17 Thomas Domingo, 18 Remy Martin, 19 Damien Chouly, 20 Dimitri Yachvili, 21 Yannick Jauzion, 22 Mathieu Bastareaud.
Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
Dispute-over-World-Cup-waterfront-plan
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/2516342/Dispute-over-World-Cup-waterfront-plan
The day after Auckland City Council voted on a $84 million plan to revamp Queens Wharf for the 2011 Rugby World Cup a dispute is brewing over how it will be funded.
Any decision about funding will have to be signed off by an board charged with overseeing Auckland's transition to a single "super city".
The New Zealand Herald newspaper reported that the city council approved a plan to convert two 97-year-old dock sheds into "magic spaces" which would be the focal point of the upgrade.
The plan is to turn the eastern shed into a cruise ship terminal in conjunction with a live site on the ground floor for World Cup events.
The western shed would have a more basic upgrade for use during the rugby tournament, and would be converted afterwards to another use, such as a new home for the Auckland Theatre Company.
The council opted to restore the two 1912 cargo sheds instead of building a basic terminal for $112.8 million, an "iconic" terminal for $144 million or a basic cup fan zone for $52.1 million.
The $84.3m has been included in the council's long-term budget, but it will be paid by all Aucklanders when the Supercity takes over next year.
The Government and the Auckland Regional Council each paid $20m to buy the wharf from Ports of Auckland, so the city council's proposal takes the total cost to just over $124m.
Deputy Mayor David Hay told Radio New Zealand this morning that he expected the government to provide more funding.
"We've assumed that government are going to come to the party, there have been some discussions [in which] the government would be in for 35 percent we don't even know that for sure," he said."We may not be getting an upgraded wharf."
However the minister responsible, Murray McCully, said they should not hold their breath.
"I've certainly not given them any comfort in that respect. The point I make is we've already made a significant commitment. We sought to be a catalyst in this development, we put $20m on the table, we're not looking for further opportunities to invest at this point."
Mayor John Banks told Radio New Zealand he was optimistic a way would be found.
"I am quietly confident of raising all the cash to do a sensible development."
It was early days and figures were yet to be finalised.
"We've put aside a guestimate of $84 million to restore the classic 1912 warehouses, and upgrade the wharf and secure it. So we don't know, we hope the figure is south of that.
"We're working on the numbers, we're working on the concept, we are going to be talking to all sorts of third parties about it and we're going to get on and do something great."
Mr Banks said the development was for future generations as well as for the rugby world cup.
"We'd be leaving it a long time to property developers if we asked them to spend $18m on strengthening Queen's Wharf at the bottom of the CBD so we can open up the waterfront for the public. I mean there simply isn't a commercial return there."
Mr Banks said the Supercity transition body had to sign off any spending over $20,000 so that approval would be needed.
**reminder : NZ was at first co-organising the 2003 RWC with Australia but this principle was cancelled after the IRB discovered it was impossible to get seats sold 'lifelong' to people (these seats being the best) This problem seems to resurface for the 2011 RWC.
**Personal opinion : I'm glad that Aucks City Council voted in favour of the Waterfront plan!
The day after Auckland City Council voted on a $84 million plan to revamp Queens Wharf for the 2011 Rugby World Cup a dispute is brewing over how it will be funded.
Any decision about funding will have to be signed off by an board charged with overseeing Auckland's transition to a single "super city".
The New Zealand Herald newspaper reported that the city council approved a plan to convert two 97-year-old dock sheds into "magic spaces" which would be the focal point of the upgrade.
The plan is to turn the eastern shed into a cruise ship terminal in conjunction with a live site on the ground floor for World Cup events.
The western shed would have a more basic upgrade for use during the rugby tournament, and would be converted afterwards to another use, such as a new home for the Auckland Theatre Company.
The council opted to restore the two 1912 cargo sheds instead of building a basic terminal for $112.8 million, an "iconic" terminal for $144 million or a basic cup fan zone for $52.1 million.
The $84.3m has been included in the council's long-term budget, but it will be paid by all Aucklanders when the Supercity takes over next year.
The Government and the Auckland Regional Council each paid $20m to buy the wharf from Ports of Auckland, so the city council's proposal takes the total cost to just over $124m.
Deputy Mayor David Hay told Radio New Zealand this morning that he expected the government to provide more funding.
"We've assumed that government are going to come to the party, there have been some discussions [in which] the government would be in for 35 percent we don't even know that for sure," he said."We may not be getting an upgraded wharf."
However the minister responsible, Murray McCully, said they should not hold their breath.
"I've certainly not given them any comfort in that respect. The point I make is we've already made a significant commitment. We sought to be a catalyst in this development, we put $20m on the table, we're not looking for further opportunities to invest at this point."
Mayor John Banks told Radio New Zealand he was optimistic a way would be found.
"I am quietly confident of raising all the cash to do a sensible development."
It was early days and figures were yet to be finalised.
"We've put aside a guestimate of $84 million to restore the classic 1912 warehouses, and upgrade the wharf and secure it. So we don't know, we hope the figure is south of that.
"We're working on the numbers, we're working on the concept, we are going to be talking to all sorts of third parties about it and we're going to get on and do something great."
Mr Banks said the development was for future generations as well as for the rugby world cup.
"We'd be leaving it a long time to property developers if we asked them to spend $18m on strengthening Queen's Wharf at the bottom of the CBD so we can open up the waterfront for the public. I mean there simply isn't a commercial return there."
Mr Banks said the Supercity transition body had to sign off any spending over $20,000 so that approval would be needed.
**reminder : NZ was at first co-organising the 2003 RWC with Australia but this principle was cancelled after the IRB discovered it was impossible to get seats sold 'lifelong' to people (these seats being the best) This problem seems to resurface for the 2011 RWC.
**Personal opinion : I'm glad that Aucks City Council voted in favour of the Waterfront plan!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Richie McCaw assesses the ABs against France
Injured All Black Richie McCaw joins the Breakfast team (on TV One) to talk about the ABs loss to France on the weekend.
Video here
Video here
Friday, June 12, 2009
Rugby: Dunedin tests vital - McCaw
http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/60480/rugby-dunedin-tests-vital-mccaw
By Alistair McMurran on Wed, 10 Jun 2009
Richie McCaw was aged 13 when he watched his first rugby test from the Neville Street Stand at Carisbrook in 1994, when the All Blacks beat the Springboks.
He was the young boy from Kurow who was in his first year as a boarder at School House, the Otago Boys High School hostel.
That experience stirred his rugby ambitions and led to him becoming All Black captain and the best openside flanker in the world.
His own experience highlighted how important it is it for test matches to continue to be held in Dunedin.
"It is important for kids in this region to go and watch the All Blacks play," McCaw told the Otago Daily Times yesterday. "If you never see the All Blacks down here, it won't be the same.
"I enjoy playing rugby in Dunedin, and it will be exciting with the new stadium."
McCaw expects the All Blacks to beat France at Carisbrook on Saturday.
"There are new caps in the team with the excitement to get things going," he said. "There is also enough experience to get the team through the hard patches. It is important to start the season with a win."
McCaw's busy day in Dunedin yesterday began with a talk to 250 people at the leaders' breakfast organised by the Otago Secondary Schools Sports Association that was attended by pupils from 23 Otago schools and members of the Otago Boys High School Foundation.
He then spoke to the Blues Assembly at Otago Boys High School, and assisted with the All Blacks training at Carisbrook before flying back to Christchurch.
"I came down for a couple of days to help the loose forwards and new captain Mils Muliaina," he said.
"But I don't want to get too carried away, because I'm in the background and don't want to get in the players' way."
McCaw will return to Dunedin on Saturday for the test and will fill a similar role before the second test at Wellington.
The knee injury he suffered in the Super-14 semi-final against the Bulls is improving and he is confident of being fit for the Tri-Nations series.
"It's been a wee bit frustrating but I will be back jogging next week," he said. "It's been annoying, but I think I'm on track."
McCaw made a decision to study at Lincoln University when he was head boy at Otago Boys High School. Des Smith, the regional director of the Otago Secondary Schools Sports Association, was manager of the Otago NPC team at the time and attempted to persuade him to stay in Dunedin and study at the University of Otago.
At that time, McCaw did not see himself having a career path in rugby and believed that Lincoln University would give him the best training to become a financial adviser to farmers.
"I did not see rugby as my career until I made the New Zealand under-19 team that was coached by former All Black Mark Shaw," he said. Shaw "told us that because we had got this far there was no reason why we should not become All Blacks. I then saw it as a realistic goal".
McCaw played his first test against Ireland at Lansdowne Road in 2001, when the All Blacks won 40-29.
"That first test was important to me. It was the only All Black jersey I've got framed," he said.
McCaw's passion outside rugby is flying and he uses it as a way to relax. He is qualifying for his commercial licence.
Richie McCaw's keys to All Black leadership
• Be Yourself: "I followed Tana Umaga in the role and quickly learnt that I had to be my own man and do it my way."
• Lead by example: "You have to walk the talk. If there is a gap between words and actions you are in trouble."
• All Black captain is a leader of leaders: "Early on I thought I had to do it all myself. I now use others. This is one of the biggest things I learnt in the last four years."
• Demand high standards: "If you set high standards for yourself you will be respected and followed when you tell others what to do."
By Alistair McMurran on Wed, 10 Jun 2009
Richie McCaw was aged 13 when he watched his first rugby test from the Neville Street Stand at Carisbrook in 1994, when the All Blacks beat the Springboks.
He was the young boy from Kurow who was in his first year as a boarder at School House, the Otago Boys High School hostel.
That experience stirred his rugby ambitions and led to him becoming All Black captain and the best openside flanker in the world.
His own experience highlighted how important it is it for test matches to continue to be held in Dunedin.
"It is important for kids in this region to go and watch the All Blacks play," McCaw told the Otago Daily Times yesterday. "If you never see the All Blacks down here, it won't be the same.
"I enjoy playing rugby in Dunedin, and it will be exciting with the new stadium."
McCaw expects the All Blacks to beat France at Carisbrook on Saturday.
"There are new caps in the team with the excitement to get things going," he said. "There is also enough experience to get the team through the hard patches. It is important to start the season with a win."
McCaw's busy day in Dunedin yesterday began with a talk to 250 people at the leaders' breakfast organised by the Otago Secondary Schools Sports Association that was attended by pupils from 23 Otago schools and members of the Otago Boys High School Foundation.
He then spoke to the Blues Assembly at Otago Boys High School, and assisted with the All Blacks training at Carisbrook before flying back to Christchurch.
"I came down for a couple of days to help the loose forwards and new captain Mils Muliaina," he said.
"But I don't want to get too carried away, because I'm in the background and don't want to get in the players' way."
McCaw will return to Dunedin on Saturday for the test and will fill a similar role before the second test at Wellington.
The knee injury he suffered in the Super-14 semi-final against the Bulls is improving and he is confident of being fit for the Tri-Nations series.
"It's been a wee bit frustrating but I will be back jogging next week," he said. "It's been annoying, but I think I'm on track."
McCaw made a decision to study at Lincoln University when he was head boy at Otago Boys High School. Des Smith, the regional director of the Otago Secondary Schools Sports Association, was manager of the Otago NPC team at the time and attempted to persuade him to stay in Dunedin and study at the University of Otago.
At that time, McCaw did not see himself having a career path in rugby and believed that Lincoln University would give him the best training to become a financial adviser to farmers.
"I did not see rugby as my career until I made the New Zealand under-19 team that was coached by former All Black Mark Shaw," he said. Shaw "told us that because we had got this far there was no reason why we should not become All Blacks. I then saw it as a realistic goal".
McCaw played his first test against Ireland at Lansdowne Road in 2001, when the All Blacks won 40-29.
"That first test was important to me. It was the only All Black jersey I've got framed," he said.
McCaw's passion outside rugby is flying and he uses it as a way to relax. He is qualifying for his commercial licence.
Richie McCaw's keys to All Black leadership
• Be Yourself: "I followed Tana Umaga in the role and quickly learnt that I had to be my own man and do it my way."
• Lead by example: "You have to walk the talk. If there is a gap between words and actions you are in trouble."
• All Black captain is a leader of leaders: "Early on I thought I had to do it all myself. I now use others. This is one of the biggest things I learnt in the last four years."
• Demand high standards: "If you set high standards for yourself you will be respected and followed when you tell others what to do."
Rugby: Team of '96 back together
http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/60482/rugby-team-03996-back-together
By Alistair McMurran on Wed, 10 Jun 2009
Memories came flooding back for All Black captain Richie McCaw when he met officials from the 1996 Otago under-16 rugby team yesterday.
McCaw was the guest speaker at the Otago Secondary Schools Sports Association and the Otago Boys High School Foundation breakfast at the Alhambra-Union clubrooms yesterday.
The manager of the team Gary Wheeler had kept the age document that McCaw was obliged to produce to play in the annual South Island tournament at Ashburton. It showed that McCaw was born on December 31, 1980 and was eligible.
McCaw was a pupil at Otago Boys High School in 1996 and the long term school First XV coach Brian Ashwin coached the Otago under-16 team at that time.
Another member of the team was Jason Macdonald who was the hooker in the Crusaders Super 14 team that was captained by McCaw this year.
Canterbury beat Otago in the final of the under-16 tournament in 1996.
By Alistair McMurran on Wed, 10 Jun 2009
Memories came flooding back for All Black captain Richie McCaw when he met officials from the 1996 Otago under-16 rugby team yesterday.
McCaw was the guest speaker at the Otago Secondary Schools Sports Association and the Otago Boys High School Foundation breakfast at the Alhambra-Union clubrooms yesterday.
The manager of the team Gary Wheeler had kept the age document that McCaw was obliged to produce to play in the annual South Island tournament at Ashburton. It showed that McCaw was born on December 31, 1980 and was eligible.
McCaw was a pupil at Otago Boys High School in 1996 and the long term school First XV coach Brian Ashwin coached the Otago under-16 team at that time.
Another member of the team was Jason Macdonald who was the hooker in the Crusaders Super 14 team that was captained by McCaw this year.
Canterbury beat Otago in the final of the under-16 tournament in 1996.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
McCaw still makes presence felt
http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-news/mccaw-still-makes-presence-felt-2767247
June 3rd, 2009
Richie McCaw will not have a physical presence on the field against France, but the injured All Blacks captain is playing an important mentoring role in the lead-up to New Zealand's early season rugby tests.
McCaw, who will be unavailable until New Zealand's defence of the Tri-Nations in July, was still floating around the team hotel on Wednesday, welcoming and congratulating his successor Mils Muliaina.
He has also taken time out to brief Adam Thomson on the intricacies of the openside flanker's role.
McCaw sought out Muliaina when the 26-man squad assembled for a three-day camp at their west Auckland base - the first stage of preparations for the first test against France in Dunedin next Saturday.
Although Muliaina has led the Chiefs for the past two Super 14 seasons - and has 68 test caps - the fullback was still keen to absorb any insights McCaw could offer in terms of test leadership.
"It still hasn't really sunk in," Muliaina said of his temporary reign."It feels a bit strange so I had a good chat with Richie when he came to my room to congratulate me. I'll be getting alongside him again and I'll be asking a few of the experienced guys in the team for help."
The 28-year-old has the captaincy thrust upon him shortly after the Chiefs were decimated in last weekend's Super 14 final in Pretoria and admitted he was still jaded from the long flight back from South Africa.
The squad, which includes new caps Tanerau Latimer, Isaac Ross and Wyatt Crockett, went through their paces for the first time today with Muliaina saying he would be taking a low-key approach until the team shifts south.
"Next week, I'll talk a little bit more when we get into camp," he said."The focus for the next couple of days is learning the new game plans, sorting out the calls and getting into the environment again."
New-look trio
With McCaw suffering a knee ligament strain and veteran No 8 Rodney So'oialo spelled until the Tri-Nations, gelling a new-look loose forward trio is among the priorities for assistant coach Steve Hansen.
Kieran Read and Liam Messam are being groomed to step in for Soialo despite both being more familiar with the blindside flank - Jerome Kaino's role.
"We've lost a lot of experience with Richie and Rodney not there but Jerome's been there for us all last season; Kieran and Liam toured with us (to Hong Kong, the UK and Ireland) last November. Liam's spent time at No 8 for the Chiefs and Read's done the same at the Crusaders.
"The big task is getting them to operate as a threesome as opposed to individuals," Hansen said.
Latimer and the versatile Thomson are candidates for McCaw's position.
Hansen said the camp, which ends on Friday, was also vital in assimilating yet another set of new laws governing the break down and lineout.
"There's two new rules we've never played before. At tackle time you're allowed to have the ball when the ruck forms, you can keep your hands on it. We'll have to modify how we approach the ruck from an attacking and defensive point of view. There's going to be opportunities to steal ball but conversely the opposition do to. We have to be really effective at keeping our ball and looking after it."
Lineouts also revert to having the equal number of participants.
Meanwhile, the first wave of the 30-man French squad was to arrive in Auckland tonight and early tomorrow via Singapore.
Seven players from Clermont Auvergne and Perpignan - who contest France's domestic Top 14 final this weekend - arrive on Monday.
The All Blacks train again tomorrow, when it is hoped senior lock Ali Williams will be able to test his Achilles injury. Halfback Brendon Leonard, who missed the Chiefs' Super 14 semi and final with a hamstring strain, ran freely.
June 3rd, 2009
Richie McCaw will not have a physical presence on the field against France, but the injured All Blacks captain is playing an important mentoring role in the lead-up to New Zealand's early season rugby tests.
McCaw, who will be unavailable until New Zealand's defence of the Tri-Nations in July, was still floating around the team hotel on Wednesday, welcoming and congratulating his successor Mils Muliaina.
He has also taken time out to brief Adam Thomson on the intricacies of the openside flanker's role.
McCaw sought out Muliaina when the 26-man squad assembled for a three-day camp at their west Auckland base - the first stage of preparations for the first test against France in Dunedin next Saturday.
Although Muliaina has led the Chiefs for the past two Super 14 seasons - and has 68 test caps - the fullback was still keen to absorb any insights McCaw could offer in terms of test leadership.
"It still hasn't really sunk in," Muliaina said of his temporary reign."It feels a bit strange so I had a good chat with Richie when he came to my room to congratulate me. I'll be getting alongside him again and I'll be asking a few of the experienced guys in the team for help."
The 28-year-old has the captaincy thrust upon him shortly after the Chiefs were decimated in last weekend's Super 14 final in Pretoria and admitted he was still jaded from the long flight back from South Africa.
The squad, which includes new caps Tanerau Latimer, Isaac Ross and Wyatt Crockett, went through their paces for the first time today with Muliaina saying he would be taking a low-key approach until the team shifts south.
"Next week, I'll talk a little bit more when we get into camp," he said."The focus for the next couple of days is learning the new game plans, sorting out the calls and getting into the environment again."
New-look trio
With McCaw suffering a knee ligament strain and veteran No 8 Rodney So'oialo spelled until the Tri-Nations, gelling a new-look loose forward trio is among the priorities for assistant coach Steve Hansen.
Kieran Read and Liam Messam are being groomed to step in for Soialo despite both being more familiar with the blindside flank - Jerome Kaino's role.
"We've lost a lot of experience with Richie and Rodney not there but Jerome's been there for us all last season; Kieran and Liam toured with us (to Hong Kong, the UK and Ireland) last November. Liam's spent time at No 8 for the Chiefs and Read's done the same at the Crusaders.
"The big task is getting them to operate as a threesome as opposed to individuals," Hansen said.
Latimer and the versatile Thomson are candidates for McCaw's position.
Hansen said the camp, which ends on Friday, was also vital in assimilating yet another set of new laws governing the break down and lineout.
"There's two new rules we've never played before. At tackle time you're allowed to have the ball when the ruck forms, you can keep your hands on it. We'll have to modify how we approach the ruck from an attacking and defensive point of view. There's going to be opportunities to steal ball but conversely the opposition do to. We have to be really effective at keeping our ball and looking after it."
Lineouts also revert to having the equal number of participants.
Meanwhile, the first wave of the 30-man French squad was to arrive in Auckland tonight and early tomorrow via Singapore.
Seven players from Clermont Auvergne and Perpignan - who contest France's domestic Top 14 final this weekend - arrive on Monday.
The All Blacks train again tomorrow, when it is hoped senior lock Ali Williams will be able to test his Achilles injury. Halfback Brendon Leonard, who missed the Chiefs' Super 14 semi and final with a hamstring strain, ran freely.
How much do we miss Richie?
http://tvnz.co.nz/all-blacks/much-do-we-miss-richie-mccaw-2777947/video
ONE Sport.
Injuried test star Richie McCaw has cut a lone figure at Carisbrook where the ABs are preparing for their test matches vs. France but he is becoming an important figure for the national side off the field
ONE Sport.
Injuried test star Richie McCaw has cut a lone figure at Carisbrook where the ABs are preparing for their test matches vs. France but he is becoming an important figure for the national side off the field
Thanx Maddie for the link :)
McCaw's record as best captain immense
http://www.allblacks.com/news/10233/McCaws-record-as-best-captain-immense
NZPA - 10/06/2009
Who will the All Blacks miss more - Richie McCaw the captain or Richie McCaw the player?
The influence of world class flanker McCaw has become increasingly central to the All Blacks' cause, so much so that his injury absence from this month's two tests against France is enough on its own to give the tourists hope in the eyes of many.
His No 7 jersey will be worn by Adam Thomson and the captaincy handed to fullback Mils Muliaina.
Both will hope they can do a better job than those charged with replacing an injured McCaw last year, a period when the All Blacks lost their only tests of 2008, to South Africa in Dunedin and Australia in Sydney.
McCaw's presence this week ahead of the first test at Carisbrook has been important in helping Thomson and the raw loose forwards find their feet, while carrying out test promotional work. However, there is seemingly no replacing his on-field deeds.
Statistics show there has never been a more successful individual in test rugby history than 28-year-old McCaw, in terms of success rate both as a captain and player.
In both categories he is the only play worldwide with a winning ratio of 90 percent or better.
Of the 104 captains to have led their country in 15 tests or more, McCaw leads the way with 30 wins from 33 tests for a success rate of 90.9 percent.
Nine of the top 13 captains on that list are All Blacks, with Andy Dalton (88.2 percent) and Reuben Thorne (86.9) second and third, followed by former South African skipper Morne du Plessis (86.7).
McCaw also tops the list of 746 players to have contested 35 tests or more, having won 63 of 70 matches for a 90 percent record.
In a remarkable statistic, the leading 21 players are all All Blacks, with former flanker AJ Whetton (88.6) and injured first five-eighth Daniel Carter (88.1) following McCaw.
The leading non-All Black is English winger Dan Luger, who won 31 of 38 tests from 1998-2003.
NZPA - 10/06/2009
Who will the All Blacks miss more - Richie McCaw the captain or Richie McCaw the player?
The influence of world class flanker McCaw has become increasingly central to the All Blacks' cause, so much so that his injury absence from this month's two tests against France is enough on its own to give the tourists hope in the eyes of many.
His No 7 jersey will be worn by Adam Thomson and the captaincy handed to fullback Mils Muliaina.
Both will hope they can do a better job than those charged with replacing an injured McCaw last year, a period when the All Blacks lost their only tests of 2008, to South Africa in Dunedin and Australia in Sydney.
McCaw's presence this week ahead of the first test at Carisbrook has been important in helping Thomson and the raw loose forwards find their feet, while carrying out test promotional work. However, there is seemingly no replacing his on-field deeds.
Statistics show there has never been a more successful individual in test rugby history than 28-year-old McCaw, in terms of success rate both as a captain and player.
In both categories he is the only play worldwide with a winning ratio of 90 percent or better.
Of the 104 captains to have led their country in 15 tests or more, McCaw leads the way with 30 wins from 33 tests for a success rate of 90.9 percent.
Nine of the top 13 captains on that list are All Blacks, with Andy Dalton (88.2 percent) and Reuben Thorne (86.9) second and third, followed by former South African skipper Morne du Plessis (86.7).
McCaw also tops the list of 746 players to have contested 35 tests or more, having won 63 of 70 matches for a 90 percent record.
In a remarkable statistic, the leading 21 players are all All Blacks, with former flanker AJ Whetton (88.6) and injured first five-eighth Daniel Carter (88.1) following McCaw.
The leading non-All Black is English winger Dan Luger, who won 31 of 38 tests from 1998-2003.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Injured McCaw set to link with ABs
http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/rugby/news/article/-/5621473/injured-mccaw-set-link-abs
Yahoo!Xtra Sport / Neil Reid
Richie McCaw will have an off-field presence with the All Blacks during his latest injury sidelining.
McCaw confirmed on Friday that he was a non-starter for the upcoming Iveco Series, with a knee injury sidelining him for a month.
However, he is expected to be fit for the Tri Nations, which kicks off in July.
Head coach Graham Henry has named veteran fullback Mils Muliaina as captain in the upcoming Iveco Series tests against France and Italy, starting with the June 13 clash against the French at Carisbrook.
While not a member of the 26-strong squad, McCaw's presence will still be felt in camp.
Forwards coach Steve Hansen said he would be on hand to help mentor his replacements in the No 7 jersey; Tanerau Latimer and Adam Thomson.
He will also be available if Muliaina needs a sounding board in terms of leadership.
"He will be around the place," Hansen said.
"He will be there to help Mils, if Mils wants that help. But Mils has stood up and become a very good leader himself over the last number of years for us.
"And I think he will do a great job for us.
"But we will probably use Richie again just helping me work with the sevens.
"We have two young guys there that will need a little bit of encouragement, so to speak.
"So why not use the best in the world to help us with that."
It is McCaw's second knee injury in 2009.
He missed six weeks of the just-finished Rebel Sport Super 14 with an unrelated knee problem.
McCaw said on Friday that he was keen to help out the All Blacks in any he could during his sidelining, but at that stage nothing had been confirmed with the coaching staff.
"I am not sure, I haven't spoken to them about those sort of things," McCaw said last week
"I will no doubt find that out.
"If I can offer something, then yeah I am more than happy and wanting to do that.
"But you have to be careful, I will have to talk to the coaches about what I can offer and I guess that will be a decision they will make.
"But I am not too sure at the moment."
The All Blacks gather in Auckland on Wednesday for a three-day camp ahead of the start of the Iveco Series.
Doubt still surrounds the availability of both Brendon Leonard and Ali Williams for the first test of the season.
They both suffered Super 14-ending injuries, being sidelined with hamstring and AchiLles problems respectively.
Hurricanes lock Bryn Evans, a member of the Junior All Blacks, will join the team as cover for Williams.
If the 61-test veteran is ruled out, Evans is set to be named on the bench for the series-opening test against France.
The All Blacks have sufficient cover for Leonard after naming three halfbacks in the 26-man squad.
"We have a small camp Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning this week," Hansen said.
"Then we will go home for the best part of Friday afternoon and Saturday, then reassemble on Sunday and look forward to the test."
Richie McCaw will have an off-field presence with the All Blacks during his latest injury sidelining.McCaw confirmed on Friday that he was a non-starter for the upcoming Iveco Series, with a knee injury sidelining him for a month.
However, he is expected to be fit for the Tri Nations, which kicks off in July.
Head coach Graham Henry has named veteran fullback Mils Muliaina as captain in the upcoming Iveco Series tests against France and Italy, starting with the June 13 clash against the French at Carisbrook.
While not a member of the 26-strong squad, McCaw's presence will still be felt in camp.
Forwards coach Steve Hansen said he would be on hand to help mentor his replacements in the No 7 jersey; Tanerau Latimer and Adam Thomson.
He will also be available if Muliaina needs a sounding board in terms of leadership.
"He will be around the place," Hansen said.
"He will be there to help Mils, if Mils wants that help. But Mils has stood up and become a very good leader himself over the last number of years for us.
"And I think he will do a great job for us.
"But we will probably use Richie again just helping me work with the sevens.
"We have two young guys there that will need a little bit of encouragement, so to speak.
"So why not use the best in the world to help us with that."
It is McCaw's second knee injury in 2009.
He missed six weeks of the just-finished Rebel Sport Super 14 with an unrelated knee problem.
McCaw said on Friday that he was keen to help out the All Blacks in any he could during his sidelining, but at that stage nothing had been confirmed with the coaching staff.
"I am not sure, I haven't spoken to them about those sort of things," McCaw said last week
"I will no doubt find that out.
"If I can offer something, then yeah I am more than happy and wanting to do that.
"But you have to be careful, I will have to talk to the coaches about what I can offer and I guess that will be a decision they will make.
"But I am not too sure at the moment."
The All Blacks gather in Auckland on Wednesday for a three-day camp ahead of the start of the Iveco Series.
Doubt still surrounds the availability of both Brendon Leonard and Ali Williams for the first test of the season.
They both suffered Super 14-ending injuries, being sidelined with hamstring and AchiLles problems respectively.
Hurricanes lock Bryn Evans, a member of the Junior All Blacks, will join the team as cover for Williams.
If the 61-test veteran is ruled out, Evans is set to be named on the bench for the series-opening test against France.
The All Blacks have sufficient cover for Leonard after naming three halfbacks in the 26-man squad.
"We have a small camp Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning this week," Hansen said.
"Then we will go home for the best part of Friday afternoon and Saturday, then reassemble on Sunday and look forward to the test."
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