McCaw likely to play against Springboks
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw isn’t just tagging along with the team as a passenger, with the 119-Test veterans progress already far enough to convince the World Champions medical team and the coach that the flanker might play against the South Africans.
McCaw is out with a knee ligament injury, but was included in the touring party for the All Blacks defining two-Test leg to close out The Investec Rugby Championship.
Unbeaten in the tournament so far, and boasting a record tournament unbeaten streak over the last two seasons, the match against the Springboks will potentially be for the 2013 title, and the All Blacks are hopeful the skipper will be back.
Already resuming running duties, the challenge for McCaw over the next week will be resuming contact training and ensuring he is comfortable running different angles.
Hansen said it was getting more likely over time.
“Pretty good,” the All Blacks coach remarked of his captain, with Kieran Read likely to wear the armband against Los Pumas again.
“He came through the week well enough that we’re confident it is worth the risk in taking him to Argentina.”
“He will continue with his progress and if he does he will be right to play.”
Hansen felt when naming the squad that his recovery would come from being able to train with the team on what is their toughest stretch in the international season so far.
"With Richie, we believe that the best chance of having him available to play against South Africa is by having him travel with the squad and getting hands-on treatment from the All Blacks medical staff," Hansen said.
