Richie McCaw in action. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Official medical diagnoses about Richie McCaw's damaged foot have yet to arrive but departing All Black coach Graham Henry yesterday gave an inkling about the issue.
He praised McCaw for his "phenomenal" leadership during the Rugby World Cup.
The pair had been out fishing together last Friday in the Hauraki Gulf when Henry remarked on the skipper's injured foot.
"I looked at his foot and said, 'Hell, Rich, that bloody foot looks swollen mate, really swollen'."
"Yeah, Ted, it is," was the reply.
McCaw had been troubled with the injury for some time but gritted his teeth and got through the World Cup.
"His ability to lead and be inspirational to that group of people was immense," said Henry. "And because he couldn't even train, he got finer on the detail. Like he was outstanding, superb."
The All Black medical staff have yet to discuss in public the treatment for McCaw and Colin Slade, who damaged his groin and was replaced in the World Cup.
England players were questioned by police as soon as they landed at Christchurch Airport.