Friday, September 10, 2010

All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw says he could have met his match in David Pocock by the time the final whistle is blown on the opening Bledisloe Cup match of the Tri Nations.

The Wallabies flanker gave the Springbok pack a torrid time in Brisbane last week and McCaw - generally rated as the best No.7 in the world - believes the 22-year-old can give him a run for his money. “He put a lot of heat on the South African ball and he’s become quite good at picking his time and having quite an impact,” McCaw said.

“There were a couple of times the South Africans were on attack and he managed to force a penalty or the odd turnover and the way the game is going it is the odd one like that can really change things in the game. “He gets nice and low and can be a hard man to move if you allow him to be physical and get into that space.”

McCaw is expecting a fast-paced game in Melbourne, although the state of the Etihad Stadium pitch has come in for immense criticism.

The AFL Players’ Association threatened a boycott of matches because of the bumpy, uneven surface, yet the Kiwi captain said his side would put longer studs in their boots and hope for the best.

“I’ve heard there’s a bit of talk about the surface but at the end of the day we can’t change it, we’ve just got to get on with it.
“I guess one thing is that with the roof shut it won’t be wet so that’s a positive. I’m sure it will be fine.

“We’ve just got to make the best of it. I’ve played on a few surfaces like that. “Once you get under way there’s the odd issue but we’ve just got to put that to the side.”