The All Blacks have drafted in a former World Cup-winning captain ahead of Saturday’s rematch against the Springboks in Wellington.

Richie McCaw – who played 148 Tests and led the All Blacks to two World Triumphs – has been brought in to inspire New Zealand.

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He joined Scott Robertson’s squad at training on Tuesday at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport in Upper Hutt.

Midfielder Quinn Tupaea admitted he was starstruck when he met his childhood hero.

“It’s pretty crazy seeing him in the environment. It’s the first time I’ve met him. I was a fan of his growing up,” Tupaea said.

“He just gives us confidence, gives us some inspiration and views when he was playing. It’s awesome to have him in the group.”

Assistant coach Tamati Ellison was tight-lipped on McCaw’s specific role but said the legendary openside’s influence was always present.

“He’s an All Blacks legend so he’s always in camp, if you know what I mean,” Ellison quipped.

The All Blacks are chasing back-to-back wins over the Springboks after their 24-17 triumph at Eden Park last week. Victory at Sky Stadium would secure the Freedom Cup, but they will be without injured duo Codie Taylor (concussion) and Emoni Narawa (ribs).

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The Boks, meanwhile, have made seven changes to their starting XV – six of them in the backline – as Rassie Erasmus looks for a response. Tupaea believes the new-look combination could shift the Boks’ style.

“They’ve got a few ballers in that back line, a few guys who play with confidence and like to move the ball around,” he said.

“We’re expecting a lot of the same – kicking game, big forwards – but with that back line, they might look to play a bit more.”

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