McCaw relishing breakdown challenge
February 02 2010
Crusaders captain Richie McCaw hopes referees will be consistent in their application of the new breakdown laws during the upcoming Super 14 season.
The All Blacks skipper and flanker has long been a master in one of the most troublesome areas of the game, but is looking forward to the new emphasis on favouring the side in possession.
"It's going to reward players who are really accurate. Perhaps when players are almost on their feet, or getting up there's a wee bit of grey area there and some refs would allow you (to play the ball) and some wouldn't," he said.
"They've said they're going to be pretty strict on it so unless someone who is really accurate gets in and contests the ball, the team with it will keep it and be able to play.
"It's all good in theory it will just be interesting to see how it goes.
"Technically, it would require the ball carrier to do everything right, and that should allow some good rugby to be played.
"Teams that are really accurate and figure that out how to get their breakdown right will be the ones that do pretty well."
But McCaw also warned that teams will not be afraid to play a tighter game when the situation demands it, although he does hope to see plenty of positive intent when the season begins on February 12.
"There's times when that's not possible (running the ball) but you have got to have other things up your sleeve. I think if all teams have that sort of attitude and I know all the guys in teams around New Zealand certainly want to play like that," he said.
"If they can do that, it is going to be good."
The 29-year-old wants his side, who have won seven Super Rugby titles, to make a good start to the season in an effort to give them a good draw when it comes to the end-of-season play-offs.
Todd Blackadder's side were made to pay for a poor start to the regular season in 2009 as they ended up travelling to South Africa to face eventual champions the Blue Bulls in the semi-finals, suffering a 36-23 defeat.
"The vital thing is to start well because sides can't afford to be chasing all the way," he said.
"It is also important to try and get one of the two top qualifying spots because it was tough having to travel to South Africa for the semi-final (in 2009)."