McCaw content with Croke outcome
Sat, 15 Nov 2008 23:10
New Zealand captain Richie McCaw has lauded his team's defensive effort in their a 22-3 win over Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday.
The All Blacks have now maintained their record of keeping the opposition scoreless in the second half of each of their first three tests on their November tour.
Ireland's sole points at the venue came via a first half penalty goal from Ronan O'Gara.
"We are very happy," McCaw said after the game.
"That sets a lot of the attitude, as to where the guy's brains are at, their minds are at. They got through a couple of times, but the scramble and workrate for guys to cover each other shows attitude.
The All Blacks played their first-ever game at Croke Park as Dublin's traditional test venue Lansdowne Road is off limits due to massive renovations.
McCaw sais the atmospher at the stadium was electric.
"With 80,000 people there was a moment's silence at the start of the game," McCaw said.
"It was a pretty special place to play. Every time we come to Dublin is pretty awesome and it was great fun to come and play at a place like Croke Park."
"It was never going to be easy playing here, it was a pretty awesome stadium and as a team they came out and threw everything into it.
The All Blacks will play Munster on Wednesday and McCaw beleives it will be an ideal opportunity to give fringe players a run.
"It is something that we are looking forward to.
"There are some guys that didn't get to play tonight who will get a crack."
