Richie McCaw back in All Blacks camp for Springboks prep

All Blacks great Richie McCaw has been back in camp over the past week, sharing stories of his playing days and helping connect the new players to New Zealand’s storied rivalry with South Africa.

The iconic former captain’s presence was noted by Quinn Tupaea earlier in the week, with the midfielder admitting to being somewhat awestruck by McCaw. For forwards coach Jason Ryan, having the double World Cup winner in camp is essential to keeping the team’s identity strong.

The team will be leaning on whatever lessons McCaw can impart, knowing they have to back up a winning effort over the Springboks on Saturday night. Ryan said a big part of that challenge was recovering from the emotional demand of last week’s game, which saw Eden Park’s 31-year unbeaten record go on the line, and Ardie Savea play his 100th game. The level of anticipation for the clash was as fever-pitched as a non-World Cup Test gets.

“I think the big one for us early in the week was actually resetting the boys,” Ryan told Sport Nation. “That was a hell of a contest and a massive high that the boys were all up for. And then you get to Monday, and that comes around pretty quick.

“So you’ve got to reset yourself, but I think we’ve got a couple of little tweaks, a couple of little variations, as I know the Springboks have in their game. But the big one, I guess, mentally, is we’ve got the chance to win the Freedom Cup now. We’ve talked about that. That’s the exciting one.

“We didn’t talk too much about that last week, to be fair, because you’ve got to win two to get it. So, now it’s become front of mind.

“We had Richie McCaw come in a couple of days earlier in the week, which was really nice, just to tap into our legacy. You don’t need to go far to bring out how special that is. So it was nice having him in.”

Ryan went on to explain exactly what McCaw got up to in camp, and how significant his presence is for the team.

“He was great. He caught up with the leaders and that sort of thing. He just made his way around the group really well, said a couple of nice things at the club rooms, and really embraced being in the environment. It was his first club rooms he’s been into since he was playing, which is pretty cool.

“So he enjoyed that, even though he didn’t have his club jersey on. There was a bit of a fine there, but that’s alright. should keep him humble.

“But just having him there, with the respect and the mana that he’s got, and even in the shed after the game with Ardie, seeing him there, another centurion. Those sorts of things are just what this team is about. It’s very important that we keep connecting around that stuff.”