From News 24:-
"Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett has noted that Crusaders flank Richie McCaw is getting caught out more by referees.
As it happened: Bulls v Crusaders
McCaw was penalised a few times in his side's 31-19 Super Rugby defeat to the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday night.
Mallett analysed the game in the SuperSport studio afterwards.
He said: “Richie McCaw was penalised three or four times. He's just getting caught by referees now for doing the things that he's been doing so effectively over the last five to 10 years.
“The Crusaders created opportunities, but through a combination of their own mistakes and some good Bulls defence, they weren't able to finish them off. Israel Dagg made a super break down the field - he could've passed left, but went right and the opportunity was gone. (Andy)Ellis was right through but the Bulls made a great defensive tackle and a turnover.”
Mallett though lauded the Bulls for stepping up to the plate.
“Every single Bulls player showed a real attitude to compete today. It was a really good team performance.
“The youngsters really put up their hands. Handre Pollard and Francois Hougaard made some key turnovers; (Hanro) Liebenberg made those two charge-downs at the beginning of the game to put pressure on Andy Ellis and the Crusaders.
“Jesse Kriel had a great game from fullback, and Burger Odendaal provided more than just a big strong burst from centre. He stepped nicely, was always looking for the offload and took his try really well. I think Jan Serfontein had all those skills at Under-21 level, but he's lost his way a bit.”
McCaw
McCaw always played the game very much on a thin edge of legality. He got away with it often enough - probably as a result of the awe he was held i.n by referees and the degree of leniency shown by referees.
However, there are two things that is impacting on the rapid increase in penalties awarded against him, namely -
* referees are under more scrutiny nowadays than they used to be and the reign of Paddy O'Brien - who ignored poor refereeing if it concerned McCaw - is gone and no action was taken if refereeing was not according to the rule-book; and
* McCaw is getting on in years and it impacts on his speed and execution.
Where he could in the past get away with it by speed - doing the same thing now is slower and becomes easier to see where he infringes.
Jan Serfontein
Poor Jan - he is coached by the Bulls where any sign of good ability is coached out of players. If he was in another franchise it would have been better for him.
