McCaw in for a shock if ABs don't win World Cup

John Key has threatened to taser All Blacks' captain Richie McCaw if the team doesn't win next year's World Cup. Photo / Sarah Ivey

If the All Blacks fail to win the rugby World Cup next year, captain Richie McCaw could get a big shock from Prime Minister John Key.

If the team lost Mr Key would taser McCaw, the PM joked to business leaders in Korea today.

Speaking to the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce at a breakfast meeting in Seoul, Mr Key said New Zealand was in good shape.

It had come out of the global economic downturn, and was in good heart following the All Whites' unbeaten soccer World Cup campaign.

But Mr Key said he had warned McCaw the All Blacks would need to win next year, because it was also an election year.

"I think if the All Whites can also manage not to lose a game next year that would also be impressive.

"I've tried tell Richie McCaw that it's very important - it's election year," Mr Key said.

He said he previously offered to knight McCaw if the All Blacks won the World Cup, but he had changed tactics.

"Now I've encouraged him to get to know the Minister of Police (Judith Collins) cause I've decided if he doesn't win the rugby World Cup maybe we'll consider tasering him. We're an incentive based political party."

Korea presented many opportunities for the future growth of New Zealand companies, Mr Key said.

His government had set a target to reach the same wage rate as Australia in 15 years.

"To do that we have to grow at two per cent a year faster than Australia every year for the next 15 years.

"That ain't easy...in fact Richie McCaw's job of winning the rugby world cup looks slightly easier than that."

A FTA with Korea would provide tremendous opportunities for New Zealand's growth, Mr Key said.

Progressing a free trade agreement (FTA) with Korea was the main focus of Mr Key's trip to the country.

Mr Key will discuss the matter with President Lee Myung-bak later this afternoon.

- NZPA