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State of the nation - New Zealand

Tuesday 02nd December 2008

Richie McCaw: A cut above

Second chances don't often come around for international coaches in this results-driven age, so when Graham Henry was given a vote of confidence in the All Blacks' hot seat it came as no surprise many were raising an eyebrow.

Last year's World Cup quarter-final defeat to France seriously wounded this passionate rugby nation with post-mortems and the like searching for reasons why it all went so terribly wrong in Cardiff.

But when the dust had settled, Henry and his coaching team survived the critics and what's followed over the past thirteen months has been a fine example that patient backing can ultimately bring success - even if a clutch of your stars have uprooted north of the equator.

Fourteen wins out of sixteen have been recorded since that October evening with New Zealand picking up both Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations trophies and most recently a Grand Slam.

Beginning with their departure to Europe and the All Blacks enjoyed a brief stopover in Hong Kong where they put the final gloss on their 3N title with victory over the Wallabies. Then it was back on the plane to Scotland as their 'second string' got their chance to impress at Murrayfield - and so they did as Messrs Thomson, Kahui and Weepu proved they would make many a rival's first team.

With their stars fully rested it was time for the jump across the Irish Sea to a typically atmospheric Croke Park where Ireland, who at that point were many people's pick for Six Nations 2009 glory, found themselves no match for the black wave in a one-sided 22-3 result.

That was the November job half done for Richie McCaw's men but their time in Ireland was not, as Munster were next up in midweek for arguably the best game of rugby all month. This historical contest possessed so much passion and fight which ultimately added weight to bringing back the 'old' touring days...discuss.

With international and provincial scalps in their pocket it was back to the place of New Zealand nightmares where northern champions Wales were ready and crouched. It was a splendid opening 40 minutes that saw the hosts go in 9-6 to the good with the ABs certainly in a match. But the two-way contest disappeared from then on as the visitors ran clear to continue on their series record of not conceding a point in second halves.

A drifting England was to be the final stop for Daniel Carter before he temporarily bid adieu and it was another comfortable victory with tour stars Ma'a Nonu and Mils Muliaina impressing in Hillary Shield success.

New Zealand wrapped up all of their November Tests in convincing style but what proves their worth further is the frightening defensive statistic that they didn't concede a try all series (bar in Munster), an incredible end to 2008 with last year's RWC exit firmly put to bed.

Star man: As is often the case when you study the All Blacks in detail, their captain is at the forefront of all that is good on and off the field. Many cynics have dubbed him a cheat but the way in which Richie McCaw pushes the boundaries of rugby makes him a cut above the rest. The Cantabrian also remains modest despite all the plaudits and would be the first to praise back-row colleagues Jerome Kaino and Rodney So'oialo for their industrious autumn efforts.