World Cup out of reach without Umaga, says Fitzy

Sean Fitzpatrick

Former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick believes Tana Umaga's international retirement could blow New Zealand's World Cup chances wide open.

Fitzpatrick, who holds the record number of caps in the famous black jersey (92), is concerned the All Blacks could now have a crucial weakness unless an adequate skipper is found ahead of the 2007 Cup in France.

Coach Graham Henry has developed some of the finest young talents in the game, bringing through the likes of Dan Carter and Joe Rokocoko.

However, obvious candidates to take the role of captaincy did not spring to mind so readily, Fitzpatrick said, and as a result the All Blacks could suffer at the World Cup.

"The team's got huge potential in terms of depth and playing numbers, but one of the things that concerns me is the depth in leadership," the former hooker told Sky Sports News.

"When you look past Umaga and (Richie) McCaw in terms of who can captain the team, there does appear to be a void.

"I think one of the ideas behind Tana standing down now is to hopefully develop another captain before World Cup 2007 -- whether it's going to be McCaw or whether it's going to be a Carl Hayman.

"I think they are going to need time at the helm, and time leading the team from the front."

One of the potential skippers mentioned by Fitzpatrick, McCaw, summed up the influence that Umaga had on the New Zealand squad.

"He's the guy everyone looks to, and he seems to have a pretty cool head and wise things to say. That's going to be a huge loss," the world's No 1 openside flanker said.

New Zealand's form over the past 12 months has made them red-hot favourites for the 2007 World Cup, but like the previous campaigns of 1999 and 2003, that dream was now in danger of crashing due to a lack of leadership, Fitzpatrick said.

McCaw is viewed as the obvious choice to take over the role of captain, having previously been deputy to Umaga. He also led the team during tests in the northern hemisphere late last year when Umaga was rested.

Umaga 32, confirmed his departure from international rugby yesterday after 74 tests.

He said he wanted to spend more time with his family.

He had told coach Graham Henry and his All Blacks teammates of his decision during last year's Grand Slam tour, but delayed the public announcement until yesterday.

All Blacks legend Colin Meads said Umaga will go down as one of the greats of the game.

He said Umaga earned his captaincy by being the best.

"He's been a tremendous captain for New Zealand, one that will go down as one of the greats," Meads told the Dominion Post

Former All Blacks coach John Hart said Umaga would be hard to replace.

"He's done an excellent job (as captain). He was a world-class winger and a world-class centre. I think it's a very brave decision."

All Blacks selector and former All Blacks captain Brian Lochore said Umaga was a highly respected player and captain and one of the strongest centres to have played for New Zealand.

"You couldn't ask much more of Tana Umaga in the game than what he has given," Lochore said.

"Big and strong, fast and elusive. He had a tremendous range of attributes."

- NZPA