Ross Filipo: Dynamic duo still a class act

Dan Carter and Richie McCaw of the Crusaders pose after the round 13 Super Rugby match between the Crusaders and the Reds at AMI Stadium. Photo / Getty Images

Opinion

I have noted the commentary about Richie McCaw and also Dan Carter in recent weeks and been a little surprised. Especially about Richie.

Time and time again he's shown himself capable of building his season. I think nearly every year I can remember, by the time it comes to wearing a black jumper, he'll be the best player on the field.

He just knows his body so well — knows what he needs to do, when to do it and how to do it. He'll build into his work over the next few weeks. He knows that playing regular footy gives him the chance to peak at the right time and I have absolutely no concerns about him at all.

I have also been interested in the coverage of Richie because it seems everyone writing in the media has decided he has to retire.

He hasn't said that's his intention and I hope he doesn't let everyone else talk him into retirement.

I can't imagine he will, as he's such a strong character, but he should only retire if he wants to. To be honest, I reckon he might have a few more international seasons in him. I really do. I think there is a hell of a lot of rugby left in him. But it is up to him. I think he'll still be good enough to play for the All Blacks — but only if he wants to.

As for Dan, I think he's starting to look like he's in a good place again. His injuries over recent years have largely been non-impact — muscle tears and the like — and sometimes they can be harder to recover from.

But he looks to me now that he believes in his body again and has confidence in it. I guess with both him and Richie, it is the old clich about class being permanent.

The one thing I want to see happen with Dan is for him to play the back end of the season at first-five. I thought when he shifted there against the Reds on Friday night he looked really good. He had a good game prior to that but I think if he's going to be the All Blacks starting first-five at the World Cup, then we need him to be playing at No 10 now. That's not meant to denigrate Colin Slade, who has been on fire and playing really well. But if Dan is going to start for the All Blacks, I'd rather he'd had a bit more game time there prior to the tests.

I know he can probably slot in there even if he has been playing at No 12 for the Crusaders, but the more game time he has at No 10, the more relaxed and more comfortable he's going to be.