McCaw itching to get back into action

BY DUNCAN JOHNSTONE

In his unaccustomed role as a spectator, Richie McCaw likes what he sees with the new breakdown refereeing and likes what he feels about rugby as he sits out the start of the new season.

The All Blacks skipper returned to training with the Crusaders only on Monday and flew to Auckland yesterday to attend the launch of this season's Super 14, which kicks off on Friday week.

He confirmed he wouldn't be involved in the Crusaders' final pre-season match, against the Blues in Motueka tomorrow, and will miss at least the first two rounds of the Super 14 as he enjoys the concession of a well-earned rest.

"Whether it's round three or four that I'll be back playing, there hasn't been a decision made.

"I haven't talked in depth to Todd [Blackadder, the Crusaders coach] about it, but certainly the first two weeks I won't be playing."

The 29-year-old is eager to get going again in what will be his 10th year of Super rugby.

"I'm feeling good and I'm feeling like I'm ready to play.

"I guess having a couple of extra weeks up my sleeve means I've had a good break."

Named as the IRB's player of the year for 2009, McCaw senses he might return to a better game when he takes the field again.

He's been impressed by the new rule interpretations being displayed by Sanzar refs in the warmup matches, which certainly appeared to reward the attacking teams.

"I think if the refs all do exactly what they say they are going to do, and do it for the whole competition, it will be good. It will reward players that are 100 per cent accurate," McCaw said, adding that the opportunities for turnovers might even improve if the referees could remain consistent.

He didn't believe the new interpretations would favour teams from any one country in the mix of New Zealand, Australian and South African sides.

"You have seen over the last few years that rugby has gone in swings where if it's defence-orientated. Everyone figures ways of getting around that and your attack takes over.

"I think there will be a lot of emphasis on getting the breakdown right this year so that you can actually play and it will be interesting to see which team makes the best of it."

He emphasised that teams would still be pragmatic and warned that results would continue to rule over style.

McCaw senses some optimism around his sport, which has had its share of critics over the past year as it negotiated a difficult time when the laws were tinkered with.

"I think there is a bit of a positive feel, especially with the way the Air New Zealand Cup went last year and that last test match in Marseille. That left people with a good feeling going into a short break.

"I think people going along need to look at the good things. Last year we perhaps looked at all the negative things and you start having a negative feeling to it.

"Hopefully, we can have some good games like we had to the latter part of last year."

- © Fairfax NZ News