Holah stands by to replace McCaw

Marty Holah has been called into the New Zealand squad just three days before the first Test against the Lions as Richie McCaw battles to recover from a “minor back strain“.

Holah was in inspirational form for the New Zealand Maori in their victory over the Lions 11 days ago but could not break into the All Blacks squad as head coach Graham Henry opted for McCaw as the only specialist open-side flanker.