McCaw pulls out of England test

Richie McCaw

LONDON - Richie McCaw has pulled out of tomorrow's test against England with continuing head injury concerns.

The matchwinning flanker made an 11th hour decision to withdraw due to the effects of a head knock he suffered when captain against Ireland last weekend.

Taranaki's Chris Masoe, who knew all week that McCaw was under a cloud, will take his place after debuting against Wales a fortnight ago.

Team management again chose not to announce McCaw was in doubt this week, instead giving him a chance to prove his fitness today.

He was passed fit to play after a running and tackling session, but ruled himself out.

"It's a very mature decision by Richie. He's put the team first and is obviously concerned about it," coach Graham Henry said.

"He's had a history, he's been through this experience before so that makes it easier to make a decision.

"He felt he wasn't 100 per cent, and there's no point pushing it."

McCaw, who has played 34 tests, missed last year's second test against England and the subsequent Tri-Nations series due to ongoing headaches.

Henry refused to rule him out for the season and said he would be considered for the tour-ending test against Scotland next weekend if he felt ready.

McCaw's concern is the combative Masoe's good fortune after a strong debut in the 41-3 win over Wales, and could also encourage Waikato's Marty Holah that his test days aren't numbered after being a controversial omission from this tour.

It means an all-Hurricanes loose forward trio, including Jerry Collins and Rodney So'oialo, will combine again in the race to the crucial breakdown area against England loose trio Lewis Moody, Pat Sanderson and captain Martin Corry.

The All Blacks are red hot favourites to win, despite winning just two of their last five matches at Twickenham.

Some UK bookmakers are offering juicy odds of 6-1 on an England victory.

REVISED ALL BLACKS TEAM:

Forwards:
Tony Woodcock
Keven Mealamu
Carl Hayman
Chris Jack
Ali Williams
Jerry Collins
Chris Masoe
Rodney So'oialo

Backs:
Byron Kelleher
Dan Carter
Sitiveni Sivivatu
Aaron Mauger
Tana Umaga (Captain)
Doug Howlett
Mils Muliaina

Reserves:
Andrew Hore
Neemia Tialata
Jason Eaton
Mose Tuiali'i
Piri Weepu
Joe Rokocoko
Leon MacDonald

- NZPA