McCaw 'outstanding' at No eight - Blackadder...
Richie McCaw will continue to show his increasing versatility for the Crusaders in the Super Rugby semifinal against the Chiefs on Friday.
With Kieran Read again ruled out with a cracked rib, McCaw's likely to captain the side from number eight for the third straight game.
There have been calls for the specialist openside to trade in the seven jersey at the back end of his career.
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder says McCaw's play at the back of the scrum is outstanding.
"I think if anything, it's been quite good for him, he's certainly bringing physical presence and I think he's played really well as a number eight. He's naturally a number seven, you can see that, I just thought he's been outstanding."
"I think he's been in the best form that I've seen in the last couple of years at the moment. He's certainly taken the ball to the line, certainly got his head in the right place and he's executing really well."
Blackadder still has high expectations for Read this week.
"Just exactly what you expect of a team member, just like what he did last week, just to contribute as much as he can but otherwise help prepare the guys to win a big game."
He says having played over the weekend, they've got the upper hand.
"It's all about attitude and they brought a great attitude."
14,500 tickets have been sold for the match, with just over 10,000 remaining.
>> More Rugby News
© 2012 NZCity, NewsTalkZB
Leave a comment
Hide subcomments