McCaw fires back as Dwyer says flanker a law unto himself

ALL BLACKS captain Richie McCaw has delivered an emphatic message to the critics who question his style of play.

Bob Dwyer, Australia’s 1991 World Cup-winning coach, recently weighed into McCaw with some outspoken comments published in the New Zealand media.

Dwyer said McCaw effectively refereed Test matches he played in, and there appeared to be one law for New Zealand’s openside flanker and one for every other player.

But McCaw, who will lead the All Blacks into battle against Wales tomorrow, said: “I don’t even worry about it any more.

“I go into games believing I am doing what is the right thing. You do what you are allowed to.

“The breakdown is really simple when you look at the laws. But because it happens all at once, the referee is only able to look at one guy — he can’t see everything. That is why I don’t envy referees. They have got the power and you have got to adapt to how they are refereeing it quickly.

“If you do the best you can, you can be effective. The ruck is quite simple if you get it right. If you get across the advantage line, it’s simple to see.”

McCaw will skipper New Zealand for a third time against Wales with the All Blacks targeting their 20th successive victory since losing 13-8 in Cardiff 55 years ago.

McCaw added: “I have got a lot of respect for the Wales back row, especially Martyn Williams. He has been around a long time. The fella at number eight (Andy Powell) is a big man, pretty good with ball in hand. As is the case with all good sides: If their front five functions, they have got the ability to run amok.”

New Zealand’s preparations, meanwhile, are not proving trouble-free, with hooker Corey Flynn ruled out of Wales and next week’s Twickenham showdown with England.

Flynn suffered a fractured left arm during the All Blacks’ 18-16 victory over Munster and will be replaced on the bench by Hikawera Elliott.

Elsewhere, Tony Woodcock will start at loosehead prop against Wales after avoiding a ban following his disciplinary hearing in Dublin.

Meanwhile England were forced into a late front-row change yesterday when destructive loose-head prop Andrew Sheridan dropped out of the side to face South Africa with a neck injury.

Sheridan suffered the injury during England’s 28-14 defeat by Australia.

Wasps prop Tim Payne has been promoted from outside the squad to win his ninth cap at loosehead, with Matt Stevens remaining on the bench to cover both sides of the scrum.

SOUTH AFRICA (v England): B Mtawarira, J Smit, J du Plessis, B Botha, V Matfield, S Burger, D Rossouw, P Spies, R Januarie, R Pienaar, B Habana, J de Villiers, A Jacobs, JP Pietersen, C Jantjes.

Replacements: C Ralepelle, B Mujati, A Bekker, R Kankowski, H Brussow, F Steyn, J Fourie.