 McCaw's clash with Neil Back is seen as vital to the outcome |
New Zealand flanker Richie McCaw has been passed fit to play in the opening Test against the Lions on Saturday. McCaw gave the All Blacks some concern when he strained his back earlier in the week, prompting coach Graham Henry to call in Marty Holah as cover.
But the problem responded well to treatment and McCaw was able to take part in the team's final training session at the Jade Stadium.
"He was always going to be okay, there was just a small doubt," Henry said.
Holah, who was outstanding for the New Zealand Maori in their defeat of the Lions earlier in the tour, joined from the Junior All Blacks as cover.
Josh Blackie took Holah's place on the bench for the Junior All Blacks game against Queensland on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks may be forced to make a late tactical change by the adverse weather in the Christchurch area.
They were planning an expansive, free-flowing style, but forecasts of freezing temperatures and storms have prompted a re-think.
"It's already in our mind-set that it might be raining and we'll have to play wet weather football, so we'll just have to adjust to that," captain Tana Umaga said.
MMIX
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My daughter, along with all other kids at her school, was ordered by her headmaster to go to school today wearing black only
