All Blacks unchanged as stalwarts prepare for final act

Richie McCaw, despite some valiant efforts by Kiwi journalists, refused to confirm his retirement from rugby after Saturday’s World Cup final at Twickenham.

McCaw has not been included in the Crusaders squad for 2016.

“I purposely have not got into that as I didn’t want to get hung up (on it) at this tournament,” said McCaw. “I’ll make a decision when I get home. I am sure there is a spot for me if I want it.

“I don’t want to be thinking ‘last time, last time’ so that hasn’t entered my mind. I made no secret that I am going to have a good reflect after this but I want to do this week right.”

So, maybe a season in France. Or the fully trained up pilot will glide into retirement and coaching.

When it was put to Steve Hansen, at New Zealand's team announcement press conference at English rugby HQ, that this will probably be the last time McCaw plays a rugby match, the man who has coached the 34 year flanker since he turned professional with Canterbury in 1999 reiterated the highest possible praise.

"It's well documented what I think: I think he is probably the greatest player we've ever had play the game, certainly for New Zealand, " said Hansen.

“He’s a leader...In my mind leaders aren’t made they are grown. You are not born a leader you learn through experiences. Those experiences can be negative ones that you have to learn pretty sharply from. He copped a lot of flak in 2007 and he has grown from that to come back.

“He is now probably one of the great leaders of all time, and a great player and he’s a good bloke “That’s the trifecta.”

Along with McCaw, Kevin Mealamu, Conrad Smith (Pau bound), Ma’a Nonu (Toulon) and Dan Carter (Racing Metro 92) will wear all the black jersey one more time at Twickenham on Saturday.

The only forced selection to the 23 sees Ben Franks retained on the bench as loosehead cover behind Joe Moody after Wyatt Crockett broke down in training this morning. That's the only position where New Zealand have been damaged by injury as Tony Woodcock was forced into early retirement by a torn hamstring during the Pools stages.

When it was put to Hansen that the 4pm kick-off makes it very difficult for people in Australia and New Zealand to see the fixture, the coach responded: "They probably thought we wouldn't be in it. A wiser man than me did that."

And what of the Wallabies refusing to call New Zealand by their brand name?

“I didn’t even know that. They can call us whatever they want. Being Aussie they probably will.”

At the very end a Kiwi journalist tried to thaw Hansen’s gruff yet charismatic exterior by strumming on his heart strings.

Hansen’s dad, unsurprisingly, was a well regarded coach and massive influence during the formative coaching years. He was asked to reveal one piece of advice, from his old man, that he takes with him every day.

Hansen didn’t blink.

“Yeah: you get all your options off the opposition.

“You might want to think about that, from the look on your face. If you just take some time out in a slow and quiet place I think you will work it out.”

New Zealand: B Smith; Milner-Skudder, C Smith, Nonu, Savea; Carter, A Smith; Moody, Coles, O Franks, Retallick, Whitelock, Kaino, McCaw (capt), Read. Replacements: Mealamu, Franks, Faumuina, Vito, Cane, Kerr-Barlow, Barrett, Williams.