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.