McCaw makes case for the All Blacks’ defence

IT appears conceding four tries to an under-manned Ireland team last weekend still rankles with New Zealand.

Despite comprehensively beating the tourists 66-28, skipper Richie McCaw admitted on the eve of the first Test against Wales that tightening up their defence had been a key area of focus ahead of the Carisbrook showdown.

While there were some mitigating circumstances in New Plymouth – namely coach Graham Henry emptying his bench and the All Blacks taking their foot off the gas at 52-7 up – McCaw was still unimpressed.

“A couple of them were a bit soft and you wouldn’t want them to happen too regularly,” he said. “That’s certainly one area we’ve put a bit of work into this week.”

Although the All Blacks have kept Wales try-less on the previous two occasions the teams have met in Cardiff, McCaw said they remained wary of Wales’ attacking ability – particularly with full-back Lee Byrne and wingers Leigh Halfpenny and Tom Prydie not afraid to counter-attack when the time is right.

“I think (Wales) have led the way, especially amongst the home nations, with their ability to use the ball,” the New Zealand openside flanker said.

“That’s obviously been how they’ve wanted to play the game. It’s up to us to limit their opportunities and create our own.

They always play with a fair bit of passion and it’s always a physical challenge against them.

“I’ve always enjoyed the matches we’ve had and they’ve never been easy. The last couple of years they’ve been tight games which have been good to play in.”

Meanwhile, Wales’ rookie wing Prydie is still pinching himself as he prepares to face down the All Blacks.

Thrust into the spotlight at the tender age of 18 years and 25 days to become Wales’ youngest ever international in the RBS Six Nations match against Italy, Prydie has not looked back.

“At the beginning (of the season) I was thinking a couple of games for the Ospreys would be nice and now I’m getting my third cap against the All Blacks. I didn’t even dream of it,” he said. “I can’t wait to play. This is the biggest Test any player can have, playing against the All Blacks.”

Saturday’s match brings down the curtain on 102 years of international rugby at Carisbrook. McCaw said the historical significance of the ground and its tradition in New Zealand rugby had been used to motivate the team, particularly as the All Blacks have lost their past two Tests there – against South Africa in 2008 and France last year.

“Guys all realise it’s probably the last time they’ll get to play here,” he said.

“There’s a bit of significance and history that’s gone on and that’s been mentioned.”