Richie McCaw shows his disappointment after Saturday's loss to Australia. Photo / Getty Images
Is there anything wrong with Richie McCaw's captaincy?
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Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has launched an attack on Richie McCaw's captaincy, questioning whether he has the respect of referees.
The criticism comes on the back of the All Blacks loss to Australia in Melbourne on Saturday, where they blew a nine-point halftime lead to lose 20-15.
Jones signalled out Richie McCaw's captaincy as one of the reasons for the defeat, saying the flanker's high penalty rate is weakening his ability to lead the side.
Jones said McCaw seemed unable to have an impact with the referee on Saturday, and suggests McCaw may have lost the respect of the referees due to his constant infringing in the rucks.
In contrast, former Wallaby captain George Gregan was as much a mouthful as a handful, and while he is no longer the captain, Jones believes his influence is still as important as ever.
Graham Henry's reconditioning policy and the lineout also came in for some criticism from the outspoken coach.
Jones said he had not been impressed from what he has seen from the All Blacks this season, saying they were shaky against the Springboks and their reconditioned players are short of a gallop.
Jones also pointed out the loss of first choice locks has minimised their options in the set-piece.
He believes the All Blacks are too conservative and do not mix their formations up enough, making them too predictable.
The All Blacks have the week off while the Wallabies are preparing to face the Springboks in Sydney.
- NZ HERALD STAFF, NEWSTALK ZB
