All Blacks legend Richie McCaw believes confidence is key towards unlocking the Wallabies in 2024.
McCaw tormented the Australians during his 14-year career, winning 29 of his 37 games against the trans-Tasman rivals.
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However, the 42-year-old recognised the importance of a strong Australian side for the health of New Zealand Rugby, telling Rugby.com.au they have the talent to succeed.
“Just from a New Zealand point of view, we want to make sure and see Australian Rugby strong. We need to have a strong Super Rugby competition and have good battles in the Bledisloe, we all want to see that,” McCaw said, who took part in a Sydney Uni Wheelchair Rugby event as part of his ambassador role with ISPS Handa.
“We both have challenges in other sports, you want kids to keep wanting to turn up and play and if you get that right, you’re going to have the next wave coming through.
“I’m sure that with a new coach coming in, someone will have a vision for that and he’s got to back that. There’s no doubt there’s talent here, it’s just a matter of getting that belief of what they can do.”
The All Blacks will be coached by fellow Canterbury icon Scott Robertson, who will take the job after leading the Crusaders to a plethora of Super Rugby titles.
After a heartbreaking World Cup Final defeat, McCaw is confident Robertson is the right man to take the team into the future in the only way 'Razor' knows.
“Well I think he’ll do things a little bit different to what’s been done before,” McCaw said.
“Since 2004, you’ve had a pretty settled, especially management team with a slight change of coaches but I think he’ll do things a little bit differently. He’ll bring the things that have worked in the past but he’s prepared to try things.
“What he does have is a great knowledge of who’s around. He knows getting selections and staff right are important so it’s going to be exciting to see what he brings."
McCaw believes the defeat to South Africa will only serve as motivation, having lifted the trophy twice in 2011 and 2015.
“You make the final and you come up one point short, it’s disappointing that you’re so close but yet came up short,” McCaw reflects on the '23 campaign.
“You look at all the teams that went to the World Cup like the French and the Irish that had a real good chance of winning it and they went home early and the Wallabies show you tournament chuck up anything.
“The results especially leading up into the tournament against South Africa and in the opening game, to give themselves a chance you’ve got to be happy but if we stopped being disappointed when we don’t win, you lower your standards.
“A few of the guys I’ve talked have said how disappointed they are but that’s the nature of it and we have a new coach and outlook next year which will be interesting.”
