Connacht will battle to hold on to McCarthy

Connacht have launched a drive to hold on to Ireland second-row Mike McCarthy after it emerged Leinster are keen to sign him.

Connacht chief executive Tom Sears said they have appealed to the IRFU to help them hold on to the 31-year old, who was Man of the Match against South Africa a couple of weeks ago and who picked up his sixth Ireland cap against Argentina last weekend. Sears said it was vital that experienced players like McCarthy remained at the Sportsground.

“He is an intrinsic member of our squad who has come through our system here and we need to hold on to players like him. It is the same with the young talent we have developed. We need to bring them through and we need to have role models like Mike on board to help that process,” said Sears.

He said they would be doing everything possible to ensure McCarthy, who returned to the Sportsground for a second spell in 2007, remains a Connacht player.

“We have spoken to Mike and we have spoken to the IRFU and outlined how important it is that he stays with us.

“It is great to see a player come through the system here and not only make it into the Irish but to then perform so well on the highest stage. But we have to be able to hold on to such intrinsic players.”

Meanwhile, New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter is surprised by England’s lack of progress after 2003 when he recalls them “teaching us a lesson”.

Since losing 15-13 in Wellington nine years ago to Clive Woodward’s team — who went on to lift the World Cup – the All Blacks have won all nine meetings between the rivals.

An appearance in the 2007 final fails to disguise England’s regression into an average team incapable of challenging the southern hemisphere giants. Defeat by the world champions on Saturday would complete an inglorious autumn after losses against Australia and South Africa.

It is a decline that Carter, who expects to win his battle with an Achilles/calf injury and start for the All Blacks, finds curious.

“Yes I’m surprised England haven’t done more since 2003. Maybe consistency is what’s been lacking. They’ve got the players, so talent’s not an issue. They can beat any side on their day. It was in 2003 that I got the All Black jersey for the first time, though unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to get on. England were in their prime and had a pretty successful year. They taught us a lesson at home.”

Meanwhile, Courtney Lawes has been confirmed in England’s 23-man squad against New Zealand. The Northampton lock, who made his comeback from a knee injury in the Saints’ Aviva Premiership win against London Welsh on Saturday, replaces Mouritz Botha.

The only other change to England’s match-day squad from last weekend’s 16-15 defeat to South Africa is in the inclusion of uncapped Gloucester fly-half Freddie Burns in place of the injured Toby Flood.