Crusaders star laments himself handing the Super Rugby title to NSW.
He has made a career flouting the laws of the game and along the way has built a resume at domestic and international level that may be considered among the greatest ever.
But even Richie McCaw knows when he pushed the envelope once too often as he accepted the blame for the Crusaders losing the 2014 Super Rugby title to the Waratahs.
New South Wales landed the telling penalty kick with less than a minute remaining thanks to McCaw being penalised from entering the ruck on the side by referee Craig Joubert.
McCaw knew he had potentially cost his team victory as he walked back 10 metres with the teammates, shaking his head as he did so.
His anger turned to despair as he and the rest of the the Crusaders could only watch on as Bernard Foley just landed the 45m penalty kick to see the Waratahs edge ahead 33-32.
“It’s pretty disappointing really but at least you rolled the dice and that’s what can happen and I’m pretty gutted mate,” a dejected McCaw said.
Asked if Joubert’s decision could have gone either way, McCaw replied: “Yeah, but 50-50, those moments I probably should have known better really.
“I guess that’s what pressure and those sort of moments come down to, being able to back your D and perhaps I opened the door for the ref to make a decision and whether you agree or disagree that’s the way it was and unfortunately he kicked the goal.
“I’m pretty annoyed, but I can’t do much about it now. It’s one of those things you’ve just got to live with.”
COMMENTS