McCaw suffers back strain, Holah called up

The All Blacks have called flanker Marty Holah into their training camp as a precaution while Richie McCaw recovers from a minor back strain.

The Waikato man joins the All Blacks in Christchurch tonight direct from the Junior All Blacks squad in Queensland.

McCaw is in the starting line-up for Saturday's first test in the Lions series and, after participating in all team training this week, medical advice is that he will be fully fit. Holah's call-up is a precaution should McCaw's back worsen.

"Richie has come through the hardest part of the training week and is good to go," said coach Graham Henry.

"Marty's presence is insurance just in case Richie's back should worsen unexpectedly. All the signs are that his back will be fine, but backs can be a little unpredictable so we've taken this extra step."

McCaw said he has dealt with a similar strain in previous seasons.

"My experience is that I can play and train with this niggle and it usually comes right after a few days," the Canterbury flanker said. "But in case it does something unusual, it's good for the team to be ready."

After a strong game for the New Zealand Maori two weeks ago, Holah has been training with the Junior All Blacks side.

"We know Marty is in good form and has stayed sharp in recent weeks," said Henry. "That's part of the value of the Junior All Blacks tour."

Holah's call up means that Josh Blackie moves onto the bench for the Junior All Blacks in tonight's match against Queensland.

- HERALD ONLINE STAFF