McCaw poised for Super Rugby return

The beauty of it is that the All Blacks, and the Crusaders, could now continue without blinking without Sir Richie. They've had a very competent Whitelock running the provincial show and Kieran Reid soaking up the role of All Blacks captain simultaneously with a phase of continuous improvement in his play. This speaks volumes of the capacity of Todd Blackadder and of Steve Hansen to think ahead and to make marginal adjustments all the time thus maintaining further improvement. One looks forward to the mighty Richie's return and to discovery of the subtle changes he will make in his own game to assure his future.

In terms of talent? Possibly. In terms of achievement? Not even close. We all like to remember his outrageous drop goals and his form in 95-97 but people forget that before that he was in and out of the team - Zinzan only really had about 4 consistent seasons for the AB's. A guy like Ma'a Nonu gets a fair bit of criticism for being up and down, but he's actually had a longer and more distinguished AB career than Brooke.

Can't argue ZB wasn't a great player, however a different era he only did a couple of years in pro times, different position - and he never had a hold on his position as McCaw has, not selected as captain, played 58 tests v McCaw's 116 (so far) that's exactly half in his 11 seasons at test level, Maybe start a Shelford/Z Brooke/Reid debate, but too many points of difference to make any valid comparisons with McCaw.

Zinzan was better

The greatest All Black and player of all time

And Rugby is the opium of the Kiwis

Graham Henry's comments on that show about the 2011 RWC on Fox last night were interesting. He said that McCaw was unique in his ability to give absolutely every ounce of what he had. Playing through the world cup without training and with a broken foot highlights the point. I hope and expect Ritchie will be good for a couple more years at least. Brad Thorn has shown the way there (not so good this year for the poor old Highlanders though). I think Ritchie is smart enough to know when his time as a player is up.

Ah yes, on the seventh day God created Richie McCaw and God saw that Richie McCaw was good. More articles about Richie McCaw please!

He wont make the All Blacks. I think it is more likely he will have a crack at Olympic gold.

Richie will know when full time is up when the hunger disappears too lace the boots up .legacy belong too the history books in the mean time he feels he has hunger left in the tank then go for it ,kiwi international players know when time is up tap on the shoulder from the coaches , Hope this game turns out too be spectacular right down too the wire 10 mins too go with ether team requiring try too seal victory, full of controversy by the referee , at the end winners are grinners looser will he can come on Roar and moan how his team was cheated . Go the Crusaders!!!!!!!!!!

Its about getting McCaw match fit ready for the RC, I dont think he will be ready yet. However the Crusaders season could come to an end this weekend. He will be a good influence on the team from a focus and training perspective though. It is good that both the Reds and Crusaders are close to full strength, with most of their big names available. A lot at stake for both teams. Got all the ingredients for a classic.

Surly he would go for a kiwi team so he can have a crack at the AB’s? Blues obviously front runners since they have been openly trying to sign him, chiefs the other possibility.

.

surly he would go for a kiwi team so he can have a crack at the AB's? Blues obviously front runners since they have been openly trying to sign him, chiefs the other possibility.

Kiwis will try to hang on to McCaw's legacy as long as they can. This is not really a criticism, I mean, who can blame them. Realistically, he should retire at the end of this season, perhaps take on a coaching position with the Crusaders or NZRU. The guy has played 1000 tests as a forward, his foot will only get worse with more game time and god knows what other niggly injures he has.

Yes but for totally different reasons, The Immortal took time out and is being welcomed with open arms on the other side of the coin, our much loved QC has had a personality change inorder to make a comeback!!!!

Benji Marshall has asked for a release from the Tigers. There was talk about him going to the Waratahs but with Beale going back and Folau staying put by the looks then the only way they could sign Marshall would be to cheat or have the ARU cheat for them. I wonder where he will go if not to Japan.

Haven't thought much about this...but now it's a reality, it's exciting. Thirty-two is old enough to be worried about losing athleticism, even for an immortal. So there are question marks, which only makes his return more interesting. It's curious that he and Quade have to work their way back into their national sides. Their interaction adds another side-element.

he's had it - was always set at six months after the EOYT trip, as he was named in Crusaders squad last October, just hasn't played this season yet. Think Carter doing the same next year first 6mths only.

It means he is a Rugby Titan, one of the immortals mate!