Netball: In the shadow of greatness

The bond between brother and sister is sacred. There's an unspoken understanding. A deep-seated trust.

But when your big brother is at the helm of the All Black machine and is, arguably, one of the greatest players to have worn the No 7 jersey, it's easy for that bond to be tested. Especially when the unassuming little sister constantly struggles to be recognised for her own sporting achievements - after all, if she belonged to any other family, little sister would be the star.

For Joanna McCaw, this is an everyday reality.

Despite being immensely proud of her brother's achievements, sometimes Joanna wishes she wasn't always known as 'Richie McCaw's little sister'.

"For me, I don't look at him as an All Black captain or Canterbury captain. I look at him as my brother," Joanna said. "Being who I am and who my brother is, it's just nice for people to talk to me for who I am."

Growing up in the Hakataramea Valley, three hours from Christchurch, was competitive. Backyard cricket and rugby matches between family members were always hotly contested and just because Joanna was a girl, didn't mean her brother would go easy on her.

"Most days it normally ended up with me being a tackle bag," Joanna joked.

Parents Donald and Margaret were always mindful of creating a family environment absent of any sporting favouritism. They divided their time equally between the rugby sidelines and the netball courts. "If Dad went to watch Richie, Mum would always come to my game."

Today, she expects both parents to be courtside. "It's my birthday so they better be there," said the 23-year-old.

Today's game will see her highly-favoured Flames take on the Wellington Shakers in the second such provincial clash of the codes, this weekend. The other, last night, needs no introduction.

Samoan Commonwealth Games rep and Shakers captain, Frances Solia, is likely to be Joanna's on-court opposition. Solia has been in magnificent form for her beleaguered yellow-and-gold squad, but Joanna isn't too fazed by her opponent's credentials.

"I know how she plays but you take it as it comes."

Joanna - a rural banking manager - believes she is very fortunate to be in the Flames squad.

"I haven't had much game time yet but I know that there are 100 other girls that would love to be in my position."

When Joanna McCaw does get on court, she knows only one way. "If you aim for mediocrity, you will get mediocrity. I love to go in and give it 100 per cent."