New Zealand have to channel their emotions into the right areas as their Tri-Nations title goes on the line and the Bledisloe Cup beckons as well.
But McCaw also senses a bit of confidence surfacing in his camp and that might be the most crucial ingredient for a side eager to atone for their twin losses to the Springboks.
It’s been a long two and a half weeks since then with McCaw’s men brooding on things.
“We had some time away and it’s nice to be able to get back and put in place the things we want to get right for Saturday. I think the guys are pretty excited about it,” McCaw said, adding that there was also “a little bit” of impatience.
“We have to make sure that we don’t play the game today or tomorrow. We just have to make sure that we leave it right for Saturday.
“I think the guys understand that. Certainly the guys are pretty excited about getting out there. We’ve just got to make sure we hold them back a wee bit. But that’s a good thing.”
McCaw said that adding to his team’s challenge was the fact that the Wallabies were also smarting after getting their butts spanked twice in a row in a Tri-Nations tournament that has been upended by the Boks.
“We have to remember that we are up against a team that’s in exactly the same boat so that’s going to make for a pretty good test if you get two desperate teams,” he said.
“The thing is you have to make sure that you don’t let that get on top of you. You have to go out and execute what you are after. If you do that you give yourself a chance.
“It’s not the nicest situation to be in but you will see how good guys are at being able to get themselves back up and performing.”
From experience – the All Blacks have twice been on the end of two losses in a row under Graham Henry’s reign – McCaw said there wasn’t a massive need for motivation. The results tended to do that themselves.
“Last year the guys were pretty desperate to get it right and that’s the same this year. You don’t have to do a whole lot. Most of the guys understand that we didn’t play as well we could have and they are pretty desperate to get that right. They are pretty proud sort of guys.”
While the All Blacks might enjoy a mental edge over Robbie Deans’ Wallabies, having won three tight encounters against them in their last tests, the New Zealanders had shown similar vulnerability against the Boks this year.
McCaw believed this weekend’s test would be a lot about composure.
“We got under pressure in Bloemfontein and Durban and they (the Springboks) capitalised on that. We had an opportunity and we let it slip.
“It would be nice to take advantage of that but the way some games go, you get put under pressure and you make mistakes. That’s what disappointed us and I’m sure the Wallabies will be the same.
“So you aim to make sure that when you get your critical periods – and there’s probably a couple in each test match – you have to make the most of it or you come second.”
Jan on toast,
Wallabies to have the South Sea Islanders for breakfast,
Home ground and all.
The hooker will have to find his locks and the wings will have to learn how to catch if the AB’s want to klap the Aussie’s.
Also have this feeling its going to be Australias day. AB i bit nervous and is hoping for a one man wonder.
Well Super, we need Oz to win(Sorry Princess, I’ll take my gashes on my arm) to make it easier for us to gain some points somewhere in away games, we dont want to be playing the ABs for the trophy in their back yard.
It is just so very hard to have to support the Aussies.
I will be voting for the convicts but screaming for the AB’s hehehehe, I am soooooooo confused
Morning all.
Shackledraggers to take this one I’m afraid.
Is news yet on the Justice 4 Bakkies hearing?
@trupisero – hallooooooo Trupi, is dit koud daar innie kaap?
5 @Loosehead – Ten times easier supporting them than their cricket team!
@Loosehead – haven’t heard or read anything yet……
@trupisero – Howzit Trup!
@Koos – #10 weet nie so mooi daarvan nie, aussie bly ‘n aussie bly ‘n aussie, crikcet of rugby
@Koos – Sure, but can we stand the thoughtof the Poms winning the Ashes?
@Tripples – They certainly are taking their time, which I think is good for us.
13 @Tripples – Bly nou al lank genoeg tussen hulle, die truuk is om hulle meer kuk te gee as wat hulle jou gee, dan kuier jy lekker saam!
@Loosehead – Aren’t the poms the lesser of the two evils 😆
9@Tripples –
Die son skyn vandag–moet seker sometime my swembad bietjie leegmaak.
Howzit Kosie – hoor die Aussies moan dat ons 800m atleet nie werklik `n vrou is nie 😯
14 @Loosehead – Hard question but I am not sitting in amongst the poms.
@Koos – #16 hahahaha nou verstaan ek ook….hoe lank is jy al daar?
@Tripples – Kevin Pietersen?
18 @trupisero – Is sy? Weet nie van die storie nie!
20 @Tripples – So ietsie oor die 11 jaar al.
15@Loosehead –
Howzit Loosie — agreed – the Poms win then they will be bragging about it endlessly and claim unofficial top status – F’em — hope its a draw – at least we still get the $1 ranking.
23 @trupisero – $1 ranking, what that…sounds cheap? We beat them on home soil, they can’t and won’t claim it.
@Loosehead – #21 Enough reason to NOT support the Poms but not enough to support the convicts hehehehehe, sal maara nie een van die twee support nie, hulle moet die Ashes maar deel, it would kill them 😆
@Koos – #22
Waar bly jy? een van my groot vriende bly in Sydney maar hy is ook al so 15 jaar daar……..hy het net heeltemal bos geraak, sy SA citizenship opgegee, haat SA, skree net vir die Ozzies….persoonlik dink ek hy is ‘n idioot daaroor
26 @Tripples – Ek is in Brisbane maar het eers bietjie rond getoer voor ek hier ge-eindig het. Meeste mense van NSW/Sydney is maar effe mal…
Ek se altyd, my skool, provinsie en land sal ek nooit ooit voor ophou skree nie of verander nie.
@trupisero – 23,
Dont think they are near enough to claim that but it will enhance our chance to take the top spot and then in the end of year series against ENG we will strengthen our position.
Ozzies to take this one i think, but it will be close as usual. Who’s the ref?
@superBul –
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