News

McCaw reveals England's downfall

December 02 2008

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw has admitted to still being bruised and a touch stiff from the All Blacks' 32-6 victory over England.

The All Blacks sealed their Grand Slam tour with a comfortable success at Twickenham following wins against Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

However, the Cantabrian believes England were the most confrontational side they came up against over the five-game November period.

"[England] were physical," he said.

New Zealand spent the year rebuilding their aura after the crushing disappointment of defeat to France in the World Cup quarter-finals last year.

They did so, winning thirteen from fifteen Tests to claim the Tri-Nations title and complete a third Grand Slam tour climaxing at HQ.

However, McCaw has backed Martin Johnson to revive England's fortunes - but he believes they must become smarter and fitter if they are to compete with the world's best.

England had four players sin-binned against the All Blacks and it could have been more as they failed to adapt to the demands of referee Alain Rolland.

"As soon as one has been given, you've got to react to that," said McCaw.

"That's why I was happy with our boys. They backed off and didn't give the referee an excuse to penalise them. I guess that's just making sure you're smart.

"Talking to Chris Jack, he has found that the style of rugby here means you don't need to be as fit.

"The big thing is to believe in what you're doing. We had a belief in what was going to work. That's the way Martin Johnson operates, I'm sure.

"The big thing you've got to remember is that there isn't a lot between the top teams. There might be on the day."

McCaw believes the southern hemisphere have benefited from the experimental sanctions law being used in the SANZAR competitions, which sees most penalties replaced by a free-kick.

He feels it not only helped their fitness but also their ability to break down the more structured European sides.

"I found the free-kicks encouraged guys to look up, identify where the space was and to play what they see. That has stayed in our game," said McCaw.

"From what I've seen that's the difference. In the southern hemisphere the guys play what they see and back themselves.

"Up here they want to play with more structure and build pressure, which works to some degree if you do it well."