Holah called home to back up McCaw

Marty Holah

A decision to bypass deputy flanker Marty Holah for the All Blacks squad backfired yesterday when vice-captain Richie McCaw complained of a back strain.

Holah was to join the squad last night after being taken from the Junior All Blacks group preparing to play the Reds in Brisbane.

His call-up was described by the management as precautionary, but doubt will continue until McCaw runs out for the opening test against the Lions at Christchurch on Saturday. Adding to the selectors' concerns is news that Anton Oliver's return from his calf muscle injury has increased from six to nine weeks after problems with a diagnosis.

When the original 26-man squad was named, with two others on standby, McCaw was the only specialist openside flanker, with Rodney So'oialo nominated as cover.

It was better, the selectors reasoned, for Holah to be playing with the Juniors as he was familiar enough with the All Black calls and patterns. McCaw's back complaint forced a reassessment.

"It is something I have had for a long time," he said. "For a big test I thought it wise to have someone else here. It is not a major and has never kept me out of a game."

McCaw was confident the problem would follow its usual pattern and come right in a few days.

Coach Graham Henry said no changes were planned on the test bench in case McCaw started but could not finish.