McCaw ready for final fling

All Blacks skipper poised to bring curtain down on successful season

Last updated: 2nd December 2008

McCaw ready for final fling

McCaw: Not bothered by Smit's snoring

Rooming with guys you normally beat the hell out of - or vice versa - is pretty good. And John (Smit) is a good roomie. His snoring was alright last night!

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New Zealand captain Richie McCaw admits he is looking forward to the unique experience of playing for the Barbarians.

The All Blacks flanker will make his debut for the Baa Baas on Wednesday night when they taken on Australia at Wembley, live on Sky Sports.

In the build-up to the contest McCaw has been rooming with South Africa skipper John Smit, a man he is more used to going up against in the scrum.

However, the pair will now be on the same side against the Wallabies as they end a high-pressure season on a more relaxed note.

No pressure

"You are alongside people you wouldn't normally have a chance to play with," said McCaw.

"Normally we don't see each other after games, we have to just move on, so being able to sit and have a beer and a yarn without worrying about the pressures of next week is unique.

"Rooming with guys you normally beat the hell out of - or vice versa - is pretty good. And John is a good roomie. His snoring was alright last night!"

McCaw has enjoyed a stellar year with New Zealand, who have won 13 of 15 Tests and claimed the Tri-Nations title.

They also managed a Grand Slam tour of Europe, completing a clean sweep of European opponents on Saturday with a 32-6 victory over England.

Their cause was helped at Twickenham by the home side's poor discipline, referee Alain Rolland sin-binning four English players.

React

"As soon as one has been given, you've got to react to that," McCaw, who still has some bruises from the physical encounter, said.

"That's why I was happy with our boys. They backed off and didn't give the referee an excuse to penalise them. I guess that's just making sure you're smart.

"Talking to Chris Jack he has found that the style of rugby here means you don't need to be as fit.

"The big thing is to believe in what you're doing. We had a belief in what was going to work. That's the way Martin Johnson operates, I'm sure.

"The big thing you've got to remember is that there isn't a lot between the top teams. There might be on the day."