All Blacks rewarded for their tactics
Sat, 21 Aug 2010 22:32
Star performer: Richie McCaw. (c) Gallo
All Black captain Richie McCaw said his team's last-gasp 29-22 victory over South Africa in Soweto on Saturday - which wrapped up the Tri-Nations title for New Zealand - was reward for employing the right tactics.
Late tries from the All Black captain, McCaw, and replacement Israel Dagg saw the All Blacks spoil the Springboks party at Soccer City before a sell-out 88,791 crowd.
McCaw said there is reward for playing an attacking game.
McCaw echoed relief, after his team's come-from-behind win.
"We realised the Boks would be a different beast from the one that faced us last month and it turned out like that," McCaw said.
"I'm proud of the boys - we kept believing what we were doing ."
He also spoke of his team's superior fitness having made a difference.
"We got some pressure on in the second half and their weary legs gave us a couple of opportunities, which we managed to take."
Asked about the much-talked about running game of the All Blacks, which have now seen them whitewash the Boks 3-0 this year, he felt it was the right game to play.
"We want to use the ball, there's no doubt," McCaw said, adding: "We have seen that in the Tri-Nations so far.
"But you have to do it at the right time.
"There's no point in putting yourself under pressure and I think perhaps in the first half we played too much rugby in our own half and mistakes put us under pressure.
"You have to weigh it up [where to attack from].
"There is reward for using it if you do it right and it is a good, fun rugby to play."
He also again dismissed the suggestion that the All Blacks may have peaked to soon - a year out from the World Cup.
"There's been a lot of talk about that [the World Cup]," McCaw said, adding: "You only peak when you think you are at your best.
"I think tonight is an indication that we have to keep improving, because there is very little between all three teams in this Tri-Nations and if you are not quite on your game you come second.
"As soon as you think you have it sorted, you come second real quick.
"One week is a long time in rugby, let alone one year."
Contact Us | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Advertising
