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McCaw no spent force, Hansen

Roar Guru
22nd August, 2014
25

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen disagrees Richie McCaw is a fading force but insists neither he, nor his captain, will be afraid to make the right call to end his illustrious career.

On either side of the Tasman, there are growing concerns an ageing McCaw won’t make it to next year’s World Cup.

At 33, the 128-Test great’s best years are behind him and even his most respectful admirers, like former Wallabies skipper Nathan Sharpe, hold doubts he will continue to justify his starting selection in 2015.

Referees are also more prepared than ever to penalise him at the breakdown – as shown by Craig Joubert’s match-deciding decision in this month’s Super Rugby final against the NSW Waratahs.

With Sam Cane and Matt Todd in form, New Zealand have other specialist No.7s to choose from but Hansen maintains the iconic McCaw remains his long-term leader.

“He’s playing well,” he told AAP, pointing to his effort in last week’s 12-12 draw with Australia. “His work-rate is tremendous and he’s leading well.”

McCaw was credited with 20 tackles and two turnovers at ANZ Stadium, but was penalised three times by Jaco Peyper.

However, Hansen said Peyper admitted in the lead up to Saturday’s second Test at Eden Park that he got one wrong – due to the flanker’s speed at the ruck.

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“We got an apology,” he said. “It was done so quickly and the referee thought the picture didn’t look right so he penalised him.”

While Hansen believes fans and critics should have more faith in the All Blacks skipper, he acknowledged time is a factor as he turns 34 at the end of this year.

With the World Cup now 13 months away, the coach pulled up short of saying he was confident McCaw would have the same influence defending their title in England.

“I’m confident that while he has got the desire, his performance will be of high enough quality,” he said. “And I’m also confident that if he doesn’t think it is, and we don’t think it is, then we’ll make the right change.

“I can understand why people over here say that he won’t (make the World Cup) because they are worried that he won’t.

“And I understand why they are saying it in Australia because they don’t want him to make it.

“Human nature being what it is, if you have a fear because you really want something to happen you become a little bit fearful that it might not.”

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