Richie McCaw is confident that New Zealand can return to the summit of world rugby, saying “there’s no reason why we can’t knock most or all of the teams off”.
New Zealand, currently third in the world rankings behind the Springboks and Ireland, have a demanding 2025 schedule, headlined by back-to-back home Tests against South Africa in September.
Before facing the world champions, the All Blacks will host France in July, play Argentina in the Rugby Championship, and end their campaign with a Bledisloe Cup clash against Australia.
Speaking to Newstalk ZB, McCaw admitted Scott Robertson’s first year in charge had its challenges, with the Kiwis losing four of 14 Tests in 2024, but believes 2025 will show clear progress.
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“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 former All Blacks skipper said. “With another year gone they will be even better prepared and know what they are in for.”
While the Boks remain the team to beat after their 2024 Rugby Championship triumph and recent dominance over the All Blacks, McCaw insists New Zealand have the talent to rise again.
“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.”
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