The All Blacks have stepped up preparations for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against the Springboks by welcoming legendary captain Richie McCaw into Scott Robertson’s camp.
Fresh from their 24-17 victory at Eden Park — a result that extended their unbeaten streak there to 51 matches — New Zealand are now fully focused on the Round Four rematch in Wellington. Last week, coaching great Wayne Smith joined the squad in Auckland, and now McCaw has been spotted at their training base in Upper Hutt, adding another layer of inspiration.
Assistant coach Tamati Ellison confirmed McCaw’s presence, noting that while he wasn’t directly involved in training, his influence was unmistakable. “He’s a legend… his legacy lives on, and the intensity around the breakdown showed the boys care about that,” Ellison said.
For midfielder Quinn Tupaea, who scored a decisive try off the bench last weekend, McCaw’s visit was especially motivating. With no milestone like Ardie Savea’s 100th cap or Eden Park’s fortress record to drive emotions this time, the team is drawing energy from the presence of their former captain.
“We need to go to another level,” Tupaea explained. “Seeing Richie in camp is surreal. It’s the first time I’ve met him, and he just gives us confidence and inspiration.”
