McCaw senses positive vibe around rugby

Richie McCaw talks with former All Black Richard Loe during yesterday’s Super 14 launch in Auckland. Photo / Greg Bowker

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw senses a fresh enthusiasm for rugby, just over a week out from the start of the Super 14.

After years of declining crowd numbers, there are signs of renewed interest. Big crowds have turned up at pre-season games in the provinces with 10,000 set to pack the ground in Motueka for tomorrow's hit out between the Blues and Crusaders.

McCaw says there is a positive feel especially with the way the Air New Zealand Cup was played last year and the way the All Blacks played in the last test against France.

Meanwhile, McCaw is relishing changes in interpretations at the breakdown heading into the Super 14 season. The breakdown area has been tweaked yet again with the emphasis on the tackler releasing the ball and the ball carrier after hitting the ground in the tackle.

McCaw says it is quite different to last year when players made a tackle and then tied the ball up as they were getting to their feet. He says that was what was causing turnovers and slow ball.

The All Blacks skipper will not be donning the Crusaders jersey until round three of the competition at the earliest.

- NEWSTALK ZB