Richie McCaw warns All Blacks must up their game

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has declared there can be no excuses for his side in this morning’s Rugby Championship decider against Australia and warns they’re in for a tough game if they don’t improve.

The world champions lacked trademark fluency in international season-opening wins against Samoa, Argentina and South Africa, as coach Steve Hansen experimented with players and tinkered with combinations.

McCaw, who will equal Irishman Brian O’Driscoll’s record of 141 Test caps at ANZ Stadium, said there was an edgy mood around the squad as 41 players battled for 31 World Cup spots.