The All Blacks have drafted in former World Cup-winning captain Rich McCaw ahead of Saturday’s clash against Springboks in Wellington.
McCaw, who played 148 Tests and lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in 2011 and 2015, joined Scott Robertson’s squad at training on Tuesday at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport in Upper Hutt.
Midfielder Quinn Tupaea admitted he was starstruck when he met his childhood hero.
“It’s pretty crazy seeing him in the environment. It’s the first time I’ve met him. I was a fan of his growing up,” Tupaea said.
“He just gives us confidence, gives us some inspiration and views when he was playing. It’s awesome to have him in the group.”
RAZOR: Rassie’s had a couple late nights
Assistant coach Tamati Ellison was tight-lipped on McCaw’s specific role but said the legendary openside’s influence was always present.
“He’s an All Blacks legend so he’s always in camp, if you know what I mean,” Ellison quipped.
The All Blacks are chasing back-to-back wins over the Springboks after their 24-17 triumph at Eden Park last week. Victory at the Cake Tin would secure the Freedom Cup, but they will be without injured duo Codie Taylor (concussion) and Emoni Narawa (ribs).
MORE: All Blacks call up hooker
The Boks, meanwhile, have made seven changes to their starting XV – six of them in the backline – as Rassie Erasmus looks for a response.
Tupaea believes the new-look combination could shift the Boks’ style.
“They’ve got a few ballers in that backline, a few guys who play with confidence and like to move the ball around,” he said. “We’re expecting a lot of the same – kicking game, big forwards – but with that backline, they might look to play a bit more.”
KEO & ZELS: Young Bok guns can bring the heat
Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images
The post McCaw ‘inspires’ All Blacks ahead of Bok rematch appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.