McCaw to take deserved breather

Richie McCaw

Prize All Black asset Richie McCaw has been told to forget rugby until next month, a compulsory rest which will also apply to several of his senior teammates.

All of the Tri-Nations squad which complete that campaign on Sunday, have been told to take a minimum fortnight's break from the game with other rests graded by the selectors.

Coach Graham Henry said McCaw would be given "considerable" time off, an absence he later quantified to about four or five weeks' recuperation.

McCaw has led the All Blacks in all but one of their nine tests this season, travelled to Argentina to watch the only international he missed and is now leading the side into their final action in South Africa.

It has been a rigorous three-month campaign in which McCaw has taken a hammering during his loose forward duties and also been the victim of foul play incidents.

Henry said McCaw needed a decent rest to freshen up for the November tour of France, Wales and England.

"He's had more rugby than anyone else and he's played outstandingly, the best he's ever played at international level. He'll have an extended rest before he plays again," Henry added.

McCaw may be joined on the extended rest list by players like Chris Jack, Daniel Carter, Carl Hayman or Rodney So'oialo, who have played the bulk of the All Black tests.

Jack has had a viral complaint this week and done little training, although he is still expected to play against the Springboks at Rustenburg.

Henry expected the Springboks to change their team and also alter their style for this test, to keep possession more rather than kick it away.

Lessons for the All Blacks revolved around defence and set piece. The All Blacks had scored five tries but also conceded three during some late lapses in concentration which irritated Henry. They had not been able to arrange much attacking play from set phase although they had created a great deal of width to their play from turnover ball or returning Springbok kicks.

They needed to be more effective at the scrum and lineout to offer attacking chances from first phase.