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Either New Zealand need to do more research or All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is playing mind games ahead of Saturday night’s Tri-Nations decider in Brisbane.
One of the major talking points ahead of the Suncorp Stadium showdown has been Wallabies playmaker Will Genia’s fitness after he came off second best to teammates twice at training this week.
Genia was only given the green light on Friday as Australia looked to claim their first Tri-Nations crown in 10 years.
But it was all news to McCaw on Friday – or so he claimed.
“I wasn’t aware of that (Genia’s head knocks at training),” a seemingly puzzled McCaw said.
Genia had complained of the “foggy” effects of massive training hits from Radike Samo and Rob Simmons.
One Kiwi journalist cheekily claimed if anyone could relate to Genia’s plight it was the hard-hitting McCaw.
But McCaw said: “You are either right to play or not – that is how I look at it.
“If he is out there he is good to go.”
It was the level-headed response expected from a man entrusted with carrying the high expectations of a rugby-mad nation not only into this weekend but the looming World Cup.
Yet McCaw could still feel for first-time Wallabies skipper James Horwill ahead of this weekend.
“It is a little different when you are in charge, especially the intensity of a Test match if it is close,” he said.
“When guys are looking to you for direction you have to make sure you have somewhere to go to – it puts more pressure on you.
“But I am sure James will have that sorted.”
McCaw was inevitably asked about the man Horwill replaced as skipper – the seemingly out of form Rocky Elsom.
“That’s interesting. I am sure he will have a big game,” he said.
“I don’t think he has played that badly this year.
“I am sure he has extra incentive this week.”
McCaw did not believe the Tri-Nations decider would have any significance on the looming World Cup – but he still didn’t want to give ground to Australia on Saturday night.
“There’s a trophy on the line tomorrow so we are pretty keen to put a performance together to win that – this is hugely important,” he said.
“In two weeks time we go into the big thing but we have to make sure we get this right.”
Despite the Queensland Reds ensuring Suncorp Stadium became a graveyard for New Zealand’s Super Rugby sides this year – including McCaw’s Crusaders – the All Blacks captain felt oddly comfortable in Brisbane.
“Personally there are some tough memories playing here (for the Crusaders who lost the 2011 Super Rugby final to the Reds),” he said.
“But I really enjoy playing here.
“Results aside, it is a great atmosphere to play in.
“We have to make sure we put forward the performance we are after – it will give us confidence ahead of the next few weeks but it doesn’t mean much in a couple of months’ time.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.