News

McCaw out for six weeks

June 22 2008

New Zealand's hopes of retaining the Tri-Nations trophy have taken a hit after captain Richie McCaw was ruled out for up to six weeks with an ankle injury.

The inspirational openside flanker was helped off the field after 30 minutes of the All Blacks' 44-12 win against England in Christchurch on Saturday.

X-rays cleared McCaw of any break but an MRI scan on Sunday revealed a sprain and a ligament tear in his left ankle, the same injury that kept team-mate Daniel Carter out of the Super 14 for six weeks earlier this year.

At this stage McCaw is not expected to require surgery on the tear, although he is due to see a specialist later this week.

McCaw is duly set to miss the opening four matches of the All Blacks' Tri-Nations campaign, two against South Africa in Wellington and Dunedin on July 5 and July 12 and two against Australia, coached by his former Crusaders coach Robbie Deans, in Sydney on July 26 and in Auckland seven days later.

No replacement has been decided upon as yet by coaches Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith.

McCaw is the only specialist openside in the squad at the moment and Blues' number seven Daniel Braid is being considered despite the fact he suffered a leg injury during the New Zealand Maori's win against Fiji and was forced to drop out of that squad.

Also, lock Ali Williams lasted only 15 minutes on Saturday before he limped off with a sprained right ankle after being clattered by Mathew Tait.

However, his prognosis is more positive as the 27-year-old will hopefully be fit for the Tri-Nations opener against South Africa in Wellington.

But the news is not so good for scrum-half Brendon Leonard who has yet to feature since being named in the All Blacks squad on June 1.

The Chiefs half-back will undergo arthroscopic surgery this week after failing to overcome bone bruising and a cartilage tear in a knee, an injury he suffered in April. Jimmy Cowan will remain with the squad as a replacement player.

Replacement props Ben Franks and John Schwalger look as though they will be surplus to requirements for the Tri-Nations however, as loosehead Tony Woodcock made a successful return to action against England.

Tighthead prop John Afoa also continues to make good progress following the knee ligament injury he sustained against Ireland two weeks ago.