By Louis de Villiers - Rapport

Cape Town – All Black captain Richie McCaw has never considered joining the exodus of New Zealand rugby players to the northern hemisphere.

“It’s well known now that Luke McAllister is coming back, but I know of several other guys who also feel like returning,” said McCaw.

“I have never really considered heading north. I think the competitions in the south are much better. I see some people are complaining about the Super14, but it’s still the best competition of that nature in the world.”

McCaw has already stated that he is in favour of Sanzar’s continued association with South African rugby, even though some of his compatriots and a number of Australians want to turn their backs on South Africa.

His rugby loyalties are very clear when he is asked about the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa.

“The Lions tour of four years ago was a very big thing for us,” he said.

“We were very happy to be able to beat them 3-0. Then the Tri-Nations was upon us and South Africa brought us back down to earth at Newlands.”

It was New Zealand’s only defeat that year.

McCaw is backing South Africa to beat the Lions this year. “If you ask me on who I would put my money, it would be an easy call,” said McCaw.

“Over the past two seasons the outcome has virtually always been the same when the South and North have met. I can’t see why it will suddenly be any different.”

McCaw is cautiously optimistic about the Crusaders.

“We don’t like using the word rebuilding. We lost players, but as is always the case with the Crusaders, there are older guys to help the young ones.

“Those few defeats at the start of this year’s campaign probably did us a lot of good if you look at the bigger picture.”

It will take a brave man to bet against the Crusaders. The six-times champions often take time to warm up, but are unstoppable once they get going.