Rugby

Beware Jones' Red and Whites at Japan World Cup -Richie McCaw

30 December 2017 - 00:00 By The Telegraph

The legendary New Zealand captain Richie McCaw believes that the confidence Eddie Jones has restored to England poses the biggest threat to the All Blacks ahead of the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
McCaw, who was capped 148 times by New Zealand, led his country to World Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2015.
The 36-year-old has identified traits in the Red and Whites that have been constant in the great All Blacks sides and senses that Jones's men, perhaps for the first time since Clive Woodward's side were crowned 2003 world champions, genuinely believe they can become the No1 side in Japan.
New Zealand's first match against England in four years, at Twickenham next November, has been described as one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures in the build-up to the World Cup.
McCaw believes the All Blacks, having used 2017 as a foundation year for Japan, must pull ahead again to nullify England's attempt to hunt them down.
Jones's side have lost just once in 22 tests since he took charge in 2016, moving up to second in the world rankings. New Zealand have just endured their worst year since 2009, suffering two defeats and a draw in 14 tests, including the British and Irish Lions tour...

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