RETURN TO CHANNEL

Search Captions & Ask AI

All Blacks' strength coach Dr. Nic Gill famously calls Richie McCaw “weak and slow” - here’s why. 😂

June 17, 2024 / 00:55

This episode discusses Richie McCaw's evolution in fitness, the importance of strength training for performance, and his endurance in rugby.

The conversation highlights how Richie initially disliked the gym and did not see its benefits for his performance. Over time, with guidance from coaches, he learned that strength training was crucial for improving speed and reducing injury risks.

Richie's endurance was notable, as he often outperformed others in the final minutes of games, showcasing his ability to maintain high performance when it mattered most.

The discussion also touches on the physical demands of rugby and how McCaw adapted his training to meet those challenges, ultimately becoming a key player for the All Blacks.

TLDR

Richie McCaw transformed his fitness approach, realizing strength training improved his rugby performance and endurance.

Episode

0:55

00:00:00

when I met Richie he hated the gym Richie didn't believe that gym work improved his performance he wasn't very

00:00:06

strong in the gym he hated the gym he'd come if he felt like it and over time

00:00:10

through my education with him and Steve Hansen's education with him was like

00:00:13

well if you want to get faster you need to get stronger you're actually getting

00:00:17

slower as you get older and you play such a physical game that if you don't go to the gym and get stronger you'll

00:00:23

keep getting hurt he he couldn't jump high he couldn't run fast he wasn't slow

00:00:28

but he just wasn't explosive for right he never slowed down so his endurance

00:00:32

his aerobic ability was second to none for the size of at the start of the game he might be the slowest one there maybe

00:00:39

but at the end of the game he was running faster than all of them anyone at the end of the game when it mattered

00:00:43

and how many games the All Blacks win in the last 10 minutes when he was on the park so many how many would he make that

00:00:50

decisive tackle or turnover when he was on the park in the last 10 minutes many tests

Badges

This episode stands out for the following:

60
Best performance

Episode Highlights

Richie's Gym Struggles
Richie initially hated the gym, doubting its impact on performance.
“He hated the gym, he’d come if he felt like it.”
@ 00m 06s
June 17, 2024
Endurance Over Time
Despite being slow at the start, Richie excelled in the final moments of games.
“At the end of the game, he was running faster than all of them.”
@ 00m 42s
June 17, 2024

Episode Quotes

If you don't go to the gym and get stronger, you'll keep getting hurt.
All Blacks' strength coach Dr. Nic Gill famously calls Richie McCaw “weak and slow” - here’s why. 😂
At the end of the game, he was running faster than all of them.
All Blacks' strength coach Dr. Nic Gill famously calls Richie McCaw “weak and slow” - here’s why. 😂

Key Moments

Performance Doubts00:02
Endurance Triumph00:32
Decisive Moments00:52