IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rugby legend Richie McCaw made a very bold prediction regarding the All Blacks’ status in 2025.
Regarded as one of the greatest rugby players of all time, McCaw believes that New Zealand has what it takes to return to the top of world rugby.
New Zealand are currently third in the World Rugby Rankings – behind first-placed Springbok and second-place Ireland.
Without the likes of Richie Mo’unga, the team struggled in 2024, losing four of their 14 tests.
With new coach Scott Robertson at the helm, they failed to win the Rugby Championship and it seems like another demanding schedule is on the cards in 2025.
New Zealand will take on the Springboks in back-to-back home Tests in September.
They will play Argentina and Australia in the Rugby Championship before hosting France in July.
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Speaking to Newstalk ZB, McCaw admitted that Scott Robertson’s first year in charge had its challenges.
However, he believes 2025 will reap more rewards.
“Last year you would say everyone had a good learning – it was a pretty good year by and large, but there are things they would learn from,” the World Cup winner told Newstalk ZB.
“With another year gone, they will be even better prepared and know what they are in for.”
For the All Blacks to obtain the top spot, it will mean that they have to overthrow the Springboks, who have been dominating world rugby for the last eight years.
However, McCaw is confident that New Zealand have the prowess do to that.
“If you look at the talent across New Zealand, all the Super teams that funnel into the All Blacks, we are still in pretty good shape,” the two-time World Cup winner said.
“There’s no reason why we can’t expect performances at the top level and knock most or all of the teams off.
“There’s no reason why we can’t, I think.”
Sources: New Zealand Herald & Newstalk ZB
