Richie McCaw
The Crusaders are on track to have All Black captain Richie McCaw fully recovered in time for their Super Rugby semifinal.
Their convincing victory over the Highlanders in Christchurch at the weekend has secured the Red and Blacks top spot on the New Zealand conference, meaning they’ll miss the first round of the play-offs this coming Saturday.
Coach Todd Blackadder has told Newstalk ZB that McCaw is recovering well and should make for a timely return from a rib injury.
“He’s probably a week away,” Blackadder said.
“He probably would be ready to take contact at the end of this week and so he’ll be ready for that.”
The Press & Newstalk ZB
“Hopefully he passes that, gets the tick there and he’s available for selection the week after.”
Ensuring the fire doesn’t go out of the Crusaders’ game could be the biggest issue for Todd Blackadder over the next 12 days.
Securing second place on the Super Rugby log guarantees the Crusaders an extra week to prepare for their home semifinal on July 25 or 26 and how Blackadder manages this tricky period could determine whether they progress to their first grand final since their 18-13 defeat to the Reds, in Brisbane, in 2011.
Any worries the players could lose their battle-hardened attitude should be offset by the rare opportunity to rehabilitate their bodies before hosting their first semi in Christchurch since the competition expanded to 15 teams in 2011.
“Not at all, we have no concerns,” Blackadder said when asked if he was worried his men might go off the boil.
“The guys have played a lot of football and how we manage this week is going to be very important. Some guys are going to freshen-up and we are going to focus on some areas of our game we need to improve on.”
Crusaders have come into form at just the right time.
Beware.
Ritchie is not the player he once was.
He is no longer Superman.
But he is still the Talisman.
@ cane:
Maybe, but I still rate him.
Best international player ever in my book, his longevity at the highest level, his value in teams that are brimming with superstars.
Just a fantastic player and captain
@ nortierd:
Time waits for no man Naughtie.
Boks better understand that too.
😉
@ cane:
Think it’s a bit early to start digging the grave Caner, still some life left in those old bones
If Conrad and Carter is still good to go, why not Reechee?
Even if it’s only to bug the shit out of IloveyouBakkies
I remember the B & I Lions Tour to NZ in 2005.
When a 36 yr old Neil Back came up against a 25 yr old McCaw.
It was not pretty viewing for the Poms.
We all risk the same fate by ignoring the passage of time.
Ritchie is now that 36 yr old …………………………………
@ nortierd:
And Naughtie,
You are doing very nicely with these Articles you are posting.
On behalf of ALL The Pacific Rim Posters here.
We BOTH thank you for your input.
😉
@ cane:
Lol, 3 of you, pity TR doesn’t post here, I miss the bugger…good man that
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