McCaw ready to climb last Everest
All Black captain Richie McCaw is determined to add a Test win over the Springboks at Ellis Park to his record-setting résumé on Saturday.
McCaw has seemingly done it all in illustrious career, winning every trophy available to the All Blacks and numerous Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders.
However, the man considered by many to be the greatest All Black of all time has never before had the opportunity to face and beat the Springboks at the headquarters of South African rugby.
In what will be his 120th Test on Saturday, McCaw will finally get to battle the All Blacks’ greatest rivals at the venue of the classic 1995 World Cup Final in which South Africa famously defeated New Zealand in extra time when McCaw was 14 years old.
With the Rugby Championship hanging in the balance, the weekend’s blockbuster is being billed as the game of the year and McCaw is relishing his Ellis Park ‘debut’.
"Growing up, you heard that this is the place to really test yourself, the reason why they call it Test rugby," said McCaw.
"This will be my first Test here and the boys and I are pretty excited about it.
"All the guys have played Super Rugby here, but this will be something pretty different and a really big challenge. The atmosphere will be tough and pretty noisy, it always is when we play in South Africa," he added.
McCaw, who’s last appearance was nearly a month ago – against the Pumas in Wellington – insists he’s fully recovered from his knee injury.
"I wouldn't push myself to play if I wasn't ready, I have done all I can to get fit and I feel like I am there," he said.
He added that weathering an expected early storm would be key to the world champions claiming their first win at Ellis Park in 16 years.
"The first 15 minutes are pretty key to be honest and we expect them to come at us, but hopefully our boys will be on the same level.
“The Rugby Championship is on the line and we just need to stick to our gameplan and perform."
