Rugby previews:
Brumbies back Pat McCabe insists he is ready to deliver a knockout blow to All Blacks and Chiefs inside centre Sonny Bill Williams at Bay Park Stadium on Friday (bet on rugby league: Chiefs 3/1 - Top New Zealand Team bet365).
McCabe made his return to competitive action last weekend when Christian Lealiifano's penalty after the siren against the Cheetahs gave the Brumbies a last-minute 24-23 victory and second Super Rugby win of the season to remain unbeaten.
He could be switched from wing to centre this weekend if five-eighth Matt Toomua fails to recover from a knee injury – and that means going up against former Australian NRL superstar Williams.
The New Zealand World Cup winner has turned to heavyweight boxing but McCabe says he will relish the chance to trade blows with the Kiwis star if he asked to move to centre.
"I've played a lot of footy there in the last year and would love to have another crack at it, I'll guess we'll see what happens in the next day or so," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
The Chiefs emerged from an old-fashioned contest to edge a hard-earned 24-19 win over the Crusaders at McLean Park in Napier last time out.
McCabe said he would make no special plans to shackle Williams and said he would enjoy the challenge.
He said: "Whoever is up against him will need to be mindful of the Kiwi's ability to offload in the tackle, which can tear opposition defences apart."
"It'd be a good way to get back into the centres to have a good test like that," McCabe added.
"A lot of it's what the guys do around you because he's got such a good offloading game that everyone has got to be on their toes.
"But otherwise it's just like any other player and you want to shut down their space and time as much as you can."
Brumbies v Chiefs
Tauranga, Bay Park Stadium
Friday 16 March KO 06:35 (UK)
Brumbies back Pat McCabe insists he is ready to deliver a knockout blow to All Blacks and Chiefs inside centre Sonny Bill Williams at Bay Park Stadium on Friday (bet on rugby league: Chiefs 3/1 - Top New Zealand Team bet365).
McCabe made his return to competitive action last weekend when Christian Lealiifano's penalty after the siren against the Cheetahs gave the Brumbies a last-minute 24-23 victory and second Super Rugby win of the season to remain unbeaten.
He could be switched from wing to centre this weekend if five-eighth Matt Toomua fails to recover from a knee injury – and that means going up against former Australian NRL superstar Williams.
The New Zealand World Cup winner has turned to heavyweight boxing but McCabe says he will relish the chance to trade blows with the Kiwis star if he asked to move to centre.
"I've played a lot of footy there in the last year and would love to have another crack at it, I'll guess we'll see what happens in the next day or so," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
The Chiefs emerged from an old-fashioned contest to edge a hard-earned 24-19 win over the Crusaders at McLean Park in Napier last time out.
McCabe said he would make no special plans to shackle Williams and said he would enjoy the challenge.
He said: "Whoever is up against him will need to be mindful of the Kiwi's ability to offload in the tackle, which can tear opposition defences apart."
"It'd be a good way to get back into the centres to have a good test like that," McCabe added.
"A lot of it's what the guys do around you because he's got such a good offloading game that everyone has got to be on their toes.
"But otherwise it's just like any other player and you want to shut down their space and time as much as you can."
Brumbies v Chiefs
Tauranga, Bay Park Stadium
Friday 16 March KO 06:35 (UK)
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