McCaw warns Read against nostalgia
Former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has warned Kieran Read not to get ‘‘too nostalgic’’ as he approaches his New Zealand swansong later this year.
Read, who succeeded McCaw as skipper in 2016, confirmed this week he would walk away from the All Blacks after the World Cup to take up a contract with Japanese club Toyota Verblitz.
McCaw, the most capped player in test history, brought his illustrious career to an end after leading the All Blacks to back-toback world titles in 2015.
And he had some advice for Read as he looks to emulate his former Crusaders team-mate by bowing out on top.
‘‘You do have to be careful if you think ‘this is the last time for that’ and get too nostalgic or whatever,’’ McCaw told
‘‘You still want to put everything into each day so you can perform. Knowing the type of guy he is, he’ll have no trouble, I’m sure.’’
A veteran of 118 tests and the 2013 World Rugby player of the year, Read has already established himself as one of New Zealand’s greatest No 8s.
But his legacy as a leader may well hinge on how the national side performs in Japan in September and November.
The 33-year-old made a brilliant start to the captaincy in 2016.
However, the drawn series against the British and Irish Lions in 2017 and losses to South Africa and Ireland last year have tarnished his record.
McCaw said there are benefits to having an ‘‘end point’’ at the World Cup, he added, and backed Read to be at his best at the tournament.
‘‘Once you make a decision like that it makes it easier to focus on what he’s doing.’’