Rugby: McCaw passes latest injury test

Crusaders' captain Richie McCaw bursts through the Reds' defence. Photo / Getty Images

Crusaders 32
Reds 12

The Richie McCaw subplot was as intriguing as the Crusaders' continuing search last night to defend their Super 14 title.

In the washup, there were triumphs in both categories as McCaw survived an entire game in his comeback from another concussion and led his side to a bonus point triumph against a severely-depleted visiting Reds team.

The Crusaders' victory elevated them to fourth place ahead of the Sharks and Waratahs who are duelling tomorrow morning in Durban. All those results will leave plenty of late heat in the series with the Crusaders visiting Eden Park next week to play the Blues in what could be a shootout for the last qualifier.

"We didn't want to let them off the hook and it's a lot more fun scoring tries because they've been few and far between this year," McCaw said.

While the Crusaders were able to soak up this triumph on their return from South Africa, they also had to deal with an extended damage ledger. McCaw was unscathed though Brad Thorn retired with a hamstring strain and fellow lock Isaac Ross with a knee problem.

Thorn's departure appeared precautionary but will raise the pulses of the national selectors with All Black locks Ali Williams and Anthony Boric, already unlikely starters for the opening test stretch with France and Italy in June.

The Crusaders' medical staff have been especially cautious with McCaw this season as either side of the severe knee injury which removed him from a chunk of the competition, he has bypassed matches because of concussion.

McCaw received his warrant of fitness this week after complaining he did not feel in peak health when he took another clout around his head in the match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein a fortnight ago.

Any anxiety about McCaw's return might have gone up a notch last night as Christchurch suffered wintry conditions with rain, wind and plummeting temperatures while the stadium surface was a little soft and slippery.

It took the champion flanker little time to be heavily involved in several scorching runs and McCaw went very close to nailing his side's opening try from a pick and drive before Thomas Waldrom, instead, collected that reward from the next phase.

Halfback Andy Ellis was also back in action after his rib trouble. His handling was mixed in trying conditions as he detailed his credentials in one of the most congested selection areas for the All Black selectors.

One who won't be in that mix is fullback Leon MacDonald who is heading for two years' duty in Japan. He led the team out in his 119th match in the colours and likely last home game in this campaign.

An hour later, he was subbed off to a warm ovation. MacDonald had been unable to score a try but had been heavily involved in much of the structure and organisation. His mates made sure they did not botch the occasion.

Crusaders 32 (T Waldrom, O Franks, T Bateman, J MacDonald, S Maitland, tries; L MacDonald 2 con, pen)

Reds 12 (B Tapuai, G Holmes, tries; Q Cooper con) HT: 20-0