Richie McCaw Cheat or genius
- Thread starter biggsy
- Start date
- Status
Top Bloke
Ward Prentice (10)
Here's an article about McCaw written by someone who knows what they are talking about
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/best-of-sport-analysis/news/article.cfm?c_id=1502180&objectid=10661084
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/best-of-sport-analysis/news/article.cfm?c_id=1502180&objectid=10661084
Actually his bday is 31/12/1980. I expect he'll be an 8 when he starts to wind down.
We have no one who is near McCaw - but then, [robbiespeak] no-one has more than one of him and very few even have one. [/robbiespeak]
We have Carter and then daylight. It's only been obvious for about 3 years though. We're lucky to have the only one of him.
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
That was indeed a good article.
Same at the bloke who wore 5 after Meads vacated the spot - or 7 after M Jones... Or 8 after Zinzan Brooke... Or 2 after Fitzy... 10 after Fox, after Mehrts, after Carter... shit there would be a massive list for any jersey number really.
Adidas did a marketing barf a while back saying "the legacy is more intimidating than the opposition". Hated seeing it in mags etc but it's probably kinda true.
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
Smartarse
With the lack of backup behind Carter and McCaw, it just highlights that if the AB's are vulnerable, it's in those two positions. Whenever they have been injured, which I'll bet many NZ'ers reckon is thankfully very seldom, the team has really suffered.
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
That kind of makes my point though. For as long as I've been watching the game, the AB's have had excellent players in several key positions: prop (lh), hooker, lock (in the enforcer role), openside, halfback, 5/8, and outside centre. And just as importantly, there has been the seemingly endless production line.
At openside: Jones --> Kronfeld --> McCaw
At 5/8: Fox --> Mehrtens --> Carter
At the above positions, who do we think will take up the mantle?
Could be G Whitelock (his nickname is Backpack over on the other site) but he's learning still. Could be someone yet to pop up from the U19's or Baby Blacks. Could be a gap for a few years. Look at our halfback spot, hasn't been a clear #1 for frigging ages - Marshall maybe but he was such a cock.
That's the lucky thing with NZ, the guys always seem to turn up at the right time - and to some extent there's no point in having a back-up to McCaw because he's a) Skipper and b) so good he hardly ever subs off.
Carter might be followed by Cruden, maybe it'll be Slade of Canterbury, or again some new kid that just pops up.
Not much use am I!
Ruggo
Mark Ella (57)
Yep, that is What makes you mob the best in the world and cosistantly. I did not mention Carlos because I think he is a Dingo.
ACT Crusader
Jim Lenehan (48)
McCaw has evolved his game over the past 2-3 years. Remember the kid made the ABs 9 years ago, with a bewildered Kronfeld saying "who". He is a far more rounded player. His defensive work in the tackle is still world class. At test level he is a machine at the tackle. He still competes for and slows ball down as good as anyone around. Wins turnovers. But for me the best thing has been his leadership on the field in attack. He carries the ball so much more these days and doesn't have the feet for hand issues he had 6-7 years ago. He makes good yards now because he has improved his body position.
I don't get too hysterical when it comes to rating players like others do. Each to their own I guess. But he is a superb rugby player, that demonstrates tremendous effort in trying to get better. His value to the current ABs and the way they play is very important as the cartel in particular have built their attack and defence around him. He's not showy or one to want the limelight or thinks he is anymore important than his team mates, but he is front and centre of the ABs and it's no surprise that he is targetted by the media and opposition fans. Comes with the territory I guess.
I don't get too hysterical when it comes to rating players like others do. Each to their own I guess. But he is a superb rugby player, that demonstrates tremendous effort in trying to get better. His value to the current ABs and the way they play is very important as the cartel in particular have built their attack and defence around him. He's not showy or one to want the limelight or thinks he is anymore important than his team mates, but he is front and centre of the ABs and it's no surprise that he is targetted by the media and opposition fans. Comes with the territory I guess.
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
No argument whatsoever from me about the blokes quality on and off the paddock. He's in the "magnificent bastard" category in my book.
ACT Crusader
Jim Lenehan (48)
We've had some "horror moments" though.
Taine Randell playing out of position at 7 for an extended period....
Carlos was an effective 1st 5 at test level. Tony Brown was okay, but not close to world class.
And there's been stop gaps along the way also.
It's hard to say "who's next" because any number of things could happen to one's career. I'm sure there are guys who pinch themselves thinking about how many caps they've got, and others wondering what could have been or asking "isn't it my time".
Injuries, lack of Super game time etc. Slade has a ways to go, so does Cruden. I like Delany's game and composure. Agree with Lee that Donald is more 2nd 5 than 1st. Bleyandaal could surprise, but I thought Hamish Gard was going push on to higher honors but wasn't meant to be I guess.
As for the openside, I still hold high hopes for Thompson and Messam developing their games to a consistent level. Whitelock has improving, Latimer is test level IMO but doesn't possess the allround game just yet. Braid is a great link man and Henry knows he can do a job if needed, but is no answer for the future. The one player I really like at 7 is Soakai. A genuine fast openside. But he would have to improve in ball carying and improve his allround game.
I guess it gets back to the Richie argument, that he has improved and improved and rounded his game at the top level and for many years been a consistent performer at Super level which has made him the great player he is.
Glad he's on my time
M
Mehrts
Guest
I love pulp sport
D
Dion
Guest
Ritchie McCaw is no cheat. He gets away with what he is allowed to get away with.
PaarlBok
Rod McCall (65)
Welcome on board Boet!
- Status