McCaw confident of fitness and of tough breakdown battle

Richie McCaw

Just when the Lions may have hoped their biggest threat was in doubt for Saturday's first rugby test against the All Blacks here, Richie McCaw came out talking about what he does best -- winning loose ball.

The brilliant openside flanker, arguably the most important player in the All Blacks armoury, has had a recurrence of a long-standing back strain which is giving management enough concern that they have flown in-form No 7 Marty Holah from the Junior All Blacks camp in Brisbane.

Holah joined the All Blacks squad last night to be on standby, although both McCaw and coach Graham Henry were adamant it was a move based on precaution.
The Lions have had mixed results at the breakdown through their six tour games, with most openside flankers giving them problems -- most notably Holah in the New Zealand Maori team's victory at Hamilton.

McCaw said it would be business as usual for the All Blacks on Saturday.

"It's no different to normal. There's been a lot of media hype about it but in the last wee while it's always been the area which decides whether you're going to do well in the game or not," he said.

"Obviously a bit more intensity this week will make it a bit more physical. But still the team goal is to get good ball and to stop them slowing them our ball and for us to slow their ball. That's always the way and it's going to be no different this week.

Combatting McCaw's prowess at the breakdown is sure to be a central part of the Lions' tactics. The men charged with the task are a trio of English veterans -- openside flanker Neil Back, blindside Richard Hill and No 8 Martin Corry.

"They're obviously the best guys for the job. I don't think about the age too much at all other than that it gives them experience."

McCaw said Back shouldn't be underestimated, even at age 36.

"He's got 12 years on me. If I'm still playing in 12 years, hell... He's playing good rugby too in the premiership in England. He's still matching it with everyone," McCaw said, remembering Back's influence in the English defeat of the All Blacks at Wellington two years ago.

"He's a smart player when it comes to what he does at the breakdown. I've only played against him once and he certainly made his presence felt that day.

"He certainly knows how to get in there and get his hands on the ball so that's something we'll have to stop.

"He does that but all sevens do that. If I name any seven around the country, around the world, it's their primary goal."

All Blacks flanker Jerry Collins was more colloquial when asked if he thought the Lions loosies were over the hill.

"I don't want to say anything that might come back and bite me on the arse, they're there for a reason," he said.

"It doesn't matter what age you are. We've got guys in our own side, like (captain) Tana (Umaga), who seem to be going real well."

- NZPA