New Zealand skipper gets better news than first feared for knee complaint.
The All Blacks are hoping to have captain Richie McCaw back in the side in time for the final Bledisloe Cup clash against Australia in October.
McCaw limped off the field in New Zealand”s scrappy win over Argentina on Saturday, with fears he might be out for the rest of the international season.
However, there are hopes the openside flanker could return as early as the Rugby Championship clash with South Africa on October 6.
The medial ligament damage in his right knee, sustained in the 60th minute against the Pumas, has an original diagnosis of four to six weeks but does not require surgery.
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said the skipper will stay with the side and underdog intensive physiotherapy in a bid to be back on the field and help the Kiwis stay undefeated.
“By the end of the week, we’ll have a pretty good idea, so hopefully, maybe, he might get the second South African game,” Hansen said.
“‘Doc’ thinks he will definitely get the third Bledisloe game.”
The All Blacks have already retained the trans-Tasman trophy after winning the first two clashes against the Wallabies.
McCaw’s injury has led to Crusaders teammate Matt Todd being brought into the squad. It also means Sam Cane is in line to wear the No.7 jersey at Eden Park in what would be his first game against South Africa.
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