Something for the AB fans on this site. I have said that McCaw is not what he used to be and now this:-
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All Black captain Richie McCaw may be moved around by the Crusaders this season, according to coach Todd Blackadder.
It appears Matt Todd is the preferred choice at No.7 for the Crusaders
and when he returns from a chest injury next month, McCaw may well be
wearing another number on his back.
Todd was initially not expected to be available until around late March
and McCaw was tipped to be an automatic starter at openside flank for
the Crusaders' opener, against the Chiefs on February 21.
However, the Crusaders coach, Blackadder, told Fairfax NZ News Todd
has made such a quick recovery from the pectoral muscle he tore last
September that he could start in the first pre-season game against the
Highlanders in Motueka on February 7.
Todd is now a real chance to play the defending Super Rugby champions in Christchurch.
This means Blackadder must consider whether he should switch McCaw, one
of New Zealand's greatest players who has amassed 124 Test caps, to
No.6 to accommodate a player who has made just two Test appearances.
McCaw, who last season made only two brief Super Rugby appearances as a
replacement and hasn't started at openside flank for the Crusaders
since July 2012, made it clear what position he preferred.
"Probably No.7," McCaw, 33, said when asked where he wanted to start.
"But with Matt Todd coming back with injury ... Hopefully I will be
playing No.7, but if there other reasons to play elsewhere then I will
do that."
In the past, when there had been debate about whether McCaw should be
shifted to another loose forward position, All Blacks Steve Hansen cut
the discussions short by stating McCaw's best spot is at openside.
It seems logical that Hansen would prefer McCaw to operate at No.7 for the Crusaders ahead of the June series against England.
"To be honest that is my best position," McCaw said.
"If I can play there, that is where I intend to play. And I think Toddy
realises that. But if someone is injured and there is a need [to
change] then Matt goes pretty well there too."
McCaw only returned to training this week, but Blackadder, who is
desperate to make a fast start this season, expects him to be available
for the Chiefs match.
Blackadder maintained he was keeping an open mind about his back row selections.
"I will look at all options. I see Richie has being a No.6 as well."
Time for McCaw to call it a day before he ends up on the bench for the Crusaders!!!
