While the news of Richie McCaw extending his NZRU contract until the end of 2011 came as a relief, his injury in the second Test against England raises doubts over whether he’ll even make it to the 2011 World Cup.
McCaw has never missed any significant playing time through injury, and the injury itself was a freak accident, so there’s nothing to suggest his body is breaking down just yet.
It’s not the sight of McCaw being helped off the pitch that’s a concern, it’s the workload he faces in the next few years.
The All Blacks are scheduled to play 15 Tests this year, a number that’s unlikely to decrease as we “plummet” towards the Rugby World Cup. Given McCaw is arguably New Zealand’s most important player (and the captain), you’d figure him to be the first name on the teamsheet.
Add to that three more Super 14 campaigns, at least two more extended Tri-Nations, ELVs, as many European Tests as possible (to fill the coffers) and whatever Air NZ Cup commitments he might have, and suddenly the rigors of New Zealand rugby become apparent.
McCaw is only 27 years old, but he’s into his seventh year as an All Black. His 62 Tests make him the fifth most capped All Black forward of all time.
Henry has already hinted at managing his workload, but if you ask me, a sabbatical wouldn’t be a bad idea.
It’s highly unlikely given his profile in New Zealand rugby, and there would be concerns about him losing his edge, but if there’s a chance to extend his playing career, I’d be all for it.
Players facing form and fitness battles to make Rugby World Cups is nothing new, but has there ever been a workhorse like Richie McCaw in Test match rugby?
His form hasn’t dropped off yet, and it’s just an ankle injury, but we can’t keep flogging the horse over the next four years. The All Blacks wouldn’t lose much by giving him 2009 ‘off’.
A dip would be better than peaking as a team.
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