Graham Henry hails Captain Fantastic; Barnes reminds Aus what they will miss

Graham Henry hails his captain fantastic Richie McCaw
Wayne Smith | September 10, 2008

IT was not the news Australia needed to hear going into what is shaping as a Tri-Nations decider for the ages: All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is in the form of his life.

Granted, it was All Blacks coach Graham Henry making that assessment yesterday and in his personal battle to the death against the man many Kiwis believe should instead be coaching the New Zealand side, Robbie Deans, there is probably not much he wouldn't say or do to unsettle the Wallabies.

What makes his comments so disturbing, however, is that they merely confirm what the Wallabies themselves believe but dare not utter.

Even at his worst, McCaw would be an adversary worthy of their respect. At his best, or even near it, he is the Wallabies' nemesis, not just because of his own peerless play but because..

....

Even with a still tender shoulder, Barnes yesterday gave a reminder of what Australia will be missing on Saturday when, in the midst of an opposed training session at Ballymore, he gathered in a shin-high pass and, without straightening, speared a stab punt behind the befuddled Wallabies defence and straight into the arms of an unmarked winger.

Looking on, Deans must have momentarily considered redrafting his team, but Barnes, who already is being likened within the Wallabies to Jonny Wilkinson because of his courageous capacity to play brilliant rugby while in excruciating pain, needs to be protected for the upcoming spring tour.

The man indirectly replacing him in the midfield, Ryan Cross, couldn't have put in that kick, nor could...

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