Rested McCaw raring to go

Richie McCaw

Crusaders flanker Richie McCaw says he is ready to return from a two-week break against the Brumbies in Christchurch on Friday night.

McCaw was surprisingly rested for Saturday's match against the Bulls in Pretoria, but in his absence the Crusaders still produced a slick 35-17 win to regain top spot on the Super 14 table.

A win over the Brumbies will ensure a home semifinal and final, and McCaw said he was eager to return for the clash with another master of the breakdown, George Smith.

"I'm feeling pretty good. I'm available and will play on Friday night as long as Robbie [Deans] picks me," said McCaw.

Deans last week explained a "flat" McCaw needed another week's break, having also missed the loss to the Stormers, to have him fit for the crucial Brumbies match.

"Robbie and I had a yarn after our first week [in South Africa] and I could have played [against the Bulls]," McCaw said. "We talked about things and I have got a few niggly injuries that needed resting. It was a mutual decision between the two of us."

In McCaw's absence, youngster Tanerau Latimer made a storming Super 14 run-on debut, scoring two tries and impressing on defence.

Hooker Corey Flynn is the only doubtful starter for Friday.


* Right to the end, the Chiefs are battling injury worries as they prepare for Saturday's final Super 14 game against the Blues at Eden Park.

It's a familiar refrain for the Waikato franchise and the latest casualty is prop Nathan White, who suffered knee and cartilage damage in the 37-33 win over the Waratahs in Hamilton on Saturday. White is likely to be sidelined for about six weeks.

No 8 Steven Bates has a question mark over him, after injuring his elbow in the same game, and hooker Tom Willis is still doubtful after being concussed a fortnight ago.

The Blues have already lost opensider Daniel Braid with a knee injury and prop Tony Woodcock injured a calf during the 34-33 loss to the Cats on Sunday.

Both teams are due to be named on Thursday.

- NZPA, STAFF REPORTER