Winning definitely isn’t everything for the All Blacks.
Performing to the best of their ample talents means just as much, if not more, according to hard-nosed skipper Richie McCaw who wants to see New Zealand clinch the inaugural Rugby Championship in style on Saturday night (Sunday morning AEST).
McCaw admitted on Friday there was a special incentive to wrap up the title on Argentinian soil, in their penultimate game against the competition newcomers, but it wasn’t their main motivation against Los Pumas.
The world champions have had little problem in stretching their unbeaten Test streak to 14 in their opening four matches of the tournament but haven’t scored more than two tries in any, leaving the rugby-loving New Zealand public wanting more.
McCaw, too, and his teammates haven’t been overly impressed and they’re desperate to produce on all facets at Stadia Ciudad de La Plata.
“Winning’s important yes … but I think when you know there is potential to be better and there are areas you can work on and have that attitude, you’re always itching for something a bit better,” he said.
“There’s certainly areas of every game that we’ve played this year where we haven’t taken our opportunities that are there.
“I think it’s good to judge how you feel on how you performed. And we’re always looking to be better.”
But the world’s best openside flanker knows nothing will come easy against a hungry Pumas outfit who have pushed each team they’ve played.
Argentina led Australia 19-6 with 21 minutes to play two weeks ago before the Wallabies scored 17 unanswered points, while the Pumas also held the All Blacks to 9-5 with 15 minutes left in Wellington the week before.
They are renowned as being twice the side at home and McCaw well remembers how they ride the crest of feverish home support.
In his only South American Test way back in 2001, the All Blacks scored a last-minute try to snatch a 24-20 win in Buenos Aires.
“They’re a different type of crowd,” he said. “They’re hugely excited and if their team gets on a roll it can be very intimidating.
“When you’re on the road that’s a test of where you’re at. Backing up your performances from home on the road, that’s a sign of good teams.”
Beating the abrasive Pumas up front will again be the primary focus, as their scrum and breakdown pressure creates the opposition mistakes they feed off.
“What they do at the breakdown is pretty sharp, we have to do a lot of work to eliminate that,” he said. “But we’ll find out after tomorrow where everyone’s at.”