Confident McCaw targets title

CARDIFF – Richie McCaw admits he is ready to take New Zealand all the way to the 2007 World Cup title.

The All Blacks captain will lead his side into the quarter-final crunch clash against France at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday. New Zealand have enjoyed a smooth passage into the last eight with comfortable victories against European outfits Italy, Portugal, Scotland and Romania.Four years ago openside flanker McCaw was part of the side who lost 22-10 to Australia at the semi-final stage in Sydney.And the All Blacks suffered further heartache when France caused the shock of the 1999 World Cup by knocking them out at the semi-final stage after over-turning a half-time deficit at Twickenham.But McCaw insists the World Cup favourites are primed to taste success against France this time around as they attempt to lift the William Webb Ellis trophy for the first time since 1987.McCaw said: “I can’t comment on the match against France in 99 itself as I wasn’t involved but I remember the feeling of losing a knockout match in 2003 and we want to get rid of those memories on Saturday “I was extremely disappointed to lose in 2003 against Australia.”We’ve had that disappointment many times in the past and the people of New Zealand always take defeats hard because they love the All Blacks.”We know what the pressure is like on us from back home as I endured it when we returned home to New Zealand four years ago.I remember everyone was in a state of mourning and we don’t want it to be like that again.As captain, McCaw admitted he has a crucial role to play at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday as New Zealand attempt to erase those past disappointments and take another step closer to a second world title.”It’s important to be the leader of the team and it’s an honour because there are a lot of guys on the team who could do this job,” said McCaw who will win his 59th cap this weekend.”But just being an All Black is an honour.You don’t see yourself as different to anyone else.”McCaw believes experience will also see them through against France.”(In 1999 and 2003) there were a lot of guys that were new to the team and they didn’t offer as much in terms of leadership.Now there are lots of guys that have been around for a long time and they put their hands up to say what can be done.”Against France, the All Blacks will concentrate on thwarting their rivals’ preference for the running game.”When you play against them you don’t allow them to use the ball, you stop them being able to chuck the ball around.You can’t allow the space for them to do that,” he said.Nampa-AFPNew Zealand have enjoyed a smooth passage into the last eight with comfortable victories against European outfits Italy, Portugal, Scotland and Romania.Four years ago openside flanker McCaw was part of the side who lost 22-10 to Australia at the semi-final stage in Sydney.And the All Blacks suffered further heartache when France caused the shock of the 1999 World Cup by knocking them out at the semi-final stage after over-turning a half-time deficit at Twickenham.But McCaw insists the World Cup favourites are primed to taste success against France this time around as they attempt to lift the William Webb Ellis trophy for the first time since 1987.McCaw said: “I can’t comment on the match against France in 99 itself as I wasn’t involved but I remember the feeling of losing a knockout match in 2003 and we want to get rid of those memories on Saturday “I was extremely disappointed to lose in 2003 against Australia.”We’ve had that disappointment many times in the past and the people of New Zealand always take defeats hard because they love the All Blacks.”We know what the pressure is like on us from back home as I endured it when we returned home to New Zealand four years ago.I remember everyone was in a state of mourning and we don’t want it to be like that again.As captain, McCaw admitted he has a crucial role to play at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday as New Zealand attempt to erase those past disappointments and take another step closer to a second world title.”It’s important to be the leader of the team and it’s an honour because there are a lot of guys on the team who could do this job,” said McCaw who will win his 59th cap this weekend.”But just being an All Black is an honour.You don’t see yourself as different to anyone else.”McCaw believes experience will also see them through against France.”(In 1999 and 2003) there were a lot of guys that were new to the team and they didn’t offer as much in terms of leadership.Now there are lots of guys that have been around for a long time and they put their hands up to say what can be done.”Against France, the All Blacks will concentrate on thwarting their rivals’ preference for the running game.”When you play against them you don’t allow them to use the ball, you stop them being able to chuck the ball around.You can’t allow the space for them to do that,” he said.Nampa-AFP