All Blacks coach Graham Henry applauds Richie McCaw for his tremendous leadership – Rugby news
The head coach of All Blacks, Graham Henry, has praised his side’s captain, Richie McCaw, for leading the side from the front in the final of the Rugby World Cup 2011. McCaw played the full match despite being injured and in the end secured a much awaited
title for his homeland. All Blacks tamed the French side by a narrow margin of 8-7 after a great battle in a packed stadium in Auckland, on October 23.
Henry talked to the media in a post match press conference and also appreciated the skipper for his extra ordinary courage.
New Zealand has won Webb Ellis Trophy after 24 years. The side displayed a wonderful team effort during the whole tournament and remained unbeaten until the end. Their performance in the knock out stages was even and they never gave their opponents an opportunity
to dominate in any match.
Richie McCaw, who has won the title of IRB Player of Year twice back in 2009 and 2010, had started off the tournament with an old foot injury and missed a pool match of the world showpiece against Canada. Again, there were speculations about the skipper
missing the semi-final match against Wallabies but he ignored the injury in the best interests of his country.
All Blacks coach paid rich tribute to his player for a splendid show in the championship decider and said that Richie gave his side the inspiration for the crucial victory. He added that, “Richie is an inspiration to the whole team and management. He can
hardly walk and how he played today I just don't know. He will have some time out now. That he got through it was down to his heart and determination. He is the best leader this country has ever had.”
The coach further said that, “Richie has gained strength through experience. He has led the All Blacks in more than 60 Tests and he got his reward today when he got his hands on the cup.”
Nationwide celebrations continue in New Zealand and the Prime Minister, John Key, has also congratulated the All Blacks for their historic triumph.
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