McCaw wants to avoid another slip-up
New Zealand captain Richie McCaw said the memory of what happened to the All Blacks at Twickenham two years ago would ensure there was no complacency in the world champions' camp come Saturday's clash with England.
The All Blacks have won their last four Tests against England, including a 3-0 series win in New Zealand in June.
But in 2012 they arrived in London as equally firm favourites only for England to upset the formbook in stunning style with a 38-21 victory.
McCaw, asked if this weekend's clash represented the "focal point" of a tour that started with a 74-6 rout of the United States in Chicago last week and also features Tests against Scotland and Wales, replied: "Yeah, for a number of reasons.
"For me I think you think back two years ago when we got tripped up here," added McCaw, speaking at New Zealand's London hotel on Friday.
"Two years ago going into a month off having had a loss, which in the end was quite a few points, made it an interesting old [Southern Hemisphere] summer," said the 33-year-old McCaw, the outstanding openside flank of his generation.
"I don't want to have that summer [off-season] again so let's get the job right this week."
Saturday's match will also be the last time New Zealand play at Twickenham ahead of next year's World Cup in England.
McCaw, who led his side to World Cup glory on home soil in 2011, will be looking to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy again at Twickenham, the venue for next year's final.
"We have talked about it a little bit, that it's the last time that we are here in England playing at a place where hopefully we will get a crack to play at next year.
"As we have seen even this year, a week's a long time in footy let alone 10 months," he added.
"But I guess at a venue against an opposition we could potentially play next year it would be nice to go away with a bit of time off and a good feeling."
McCaw has a reputation among opposing sides for rarely being penalised by referees at the contested breakdown area.
However, McCaw said this had more to do with common sense than the All Blacks' 'aura'.
"I think having an understanding of the guy with the whistle is pretty key," said McCaw.
"At the end of the day I go out there and do my bit for the team within what he will allow you to do. That's always the way I have played.
"You're an idiot if you get on the wrong side of him and give away a penalty."
All Blacks great John Kirwan recently suggested the current New Zealand side were the best in the country's illustrious rugby history.
McCaw said it was "nice to hear those sorts of things".
But asked if 1987 World Cup-winner Kirwan's comments were a help or a hindrance, he replied: "To be honest I think most of the boys in the team don't even hear that sort of stuff."
Source: AFP
