18.09.11
A Timaru grandmother hopes her handmade "Richie McCaw", created out of pantyhose to support the Rugby Community Cup, will be returned by those who took it before the next All Blacks game.
The doll had been perched on Mihirau Nolan's front greensward since the start of the tournament.
The 75-year-old stuffed pantyhose with pea straw and acclimatized a pillow to make the All Blacks captain's assemblage, then dressed it in black shorts and a black No7 jersey.
But on Saturday morning she noticed it had disappeared from her Craigie Ave nursing home.
"It spoilt our fun. We just wanted to get into the spirit of things," she said.
Many passers-by had commented on it, and when the doll first went up Mrs Nolan could hark to cars tooting as they went past.
Her grandson came up with the inkling of creating a rugby player and Mrs Nolan consideration McCaw would be fitting, being the captain.
She and her husband Terry were make clear on Friday night watching the All Blacks make believe Japan, and Mr Nolan said he remembered hearing a thunder shortly after the game.
Source: Timaru Herald