All Blacks captain Richie McCaw says he is fit to play Australia in tomorrow’s Rugby World Cup semifinal, an occasion he acknowledges is “not just another game”.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw says he is fit to play Australia in tomorrow’s Rugby World Cup semifinal, an occasion he acknowledges is “not just another game”.

McCaw’s declaration comes as Australia’s star fullback Kurtley Beale was ruled out today, which All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith said could hurt the Wallabies.

McCaw was predictably forced to defend his ongoing foot injury today ahead of the most important All Blacks’ match for four year.

He has been troubled by the problem all tournament, but continues to battle through the pain barrier, to the relief of all New Zealanders.

McCaw has limited his training to once a week with the team. His sole light run comes one day before the match. It’s unusual, but without this management, the respected leader would be sitting in the stands.

He is comfortable with the minimal build-up and feels his team is in a good head-space for the clash with the trans-Tasman foes.

“The foot is good,” McCaw reiterated. “It’s one of those things. I know I’ve had to take it light for a while but you still keep up to speed with what’s going on. The captain’s run today I’ll have a run around and make sure it’s all clear and then we’re into it. I’m good to go.”

McCaw didn’t shy away from the enormity of the occasion when he spoke to reporters, just hours before Wales and Ireland meet in the first semifinal at Eden Park

“It’s not another game, I think you acknowledge that from the start” he said.

“It’s not just another game, but you’ve got to do a lot of the things exactly the same to ensure you perform. The way you train, the things you’ve got to do during the week, obviously you’ve got to make sure they are pretty similar.

“I think when you get into (Sunday) night, what’s different is the excitement and obviously what’s at the end.

“The big thing is not to let that get on top of you and inhibit you from going out there and playing well.

img 12691

img 1303

img 1306

img 1324

“I think what’s been the big thing this week is to make sure we go about our process of getting ready to play, the way you train, but being excited about it because it is a World Cup semifinal.”

Smith believed Beale’s hamstring injury could weaken Australia’s attacking prowess.

“He is an outstanding young player and he would be a loss for any team,” he said of the fullback.

Smith also backed Manawatu first five-eighths Aaron Cruden to handle the pressure-cooker environment at Eden Park.

“He’s a mature young man. He’s been through a lot in life in terms of his cancer scare. He’s a well put together young man whose got a strong drive to do well, be in this team and help this team win.”

– Stuff