McCow's verdict: Japan to get licked

Northland's Richie McCow goes straight for the All Blacks bottle in making his prediction. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Sayonara, Kirwan-san. Richie McCow has backed the All Blacks to beat Japan in the Rugby World Cup.

The world-famous bull was presented with two milk bottles - one with the All Blacks banner and the other with Japan's flag - and stayed true to the silver fern.

In fact, Richie McCaw's calf-brother had to be held back before going "banzai!" for the All Blacks bottle.

Owner Kyle Underwood said the bull's eagerness showed the All Blacks would "smash" the Brave Blossoms, coached by New Zealand rugby legend John Kirwan.

The Northland bull got his last choice right, when he backed black for the All Blacks' opening match against Tonga.

His fans were over the moon about his apparent psychic ability and posted their delight on Richie's Facebook fan page.

"Go Richie! Moo Moo!" Carol Ann Mary Blackler wrote.

Margriet Van Weersel also posted her support for the black bull with the silver-fern shaped mark on his forehead. "On cloud nine you picked the ABs to beat Tonga," she said.

Unfortunately All Black skipper McCaw is out of the Japan game. With a calf strain.